Modular Entry to Functionalized Tetrahydrobenzo[b]azepines via the Palladium/Norbornene Cooperative Catalysis Enabled by a C7-Modified Norbornene

Tetrahydrobenzo[b]azepines (THBAs) are commonly found in many bioactive compounds; however, the modular preparation of functionalized THBAs remains challenging to date. Here, we report a straightforward method to synthesize THBAs directly from simple aryl iodides via palladium/norbornene (Pd/NBE) cooperative catalysis. Capitalizing on an olefin-tethered electrophilic amine reagent, an ortho amination followed by 7-exo-trig Heck cyclization furnishes the seven-membered heterocycle. To overcome the difficulty with ortho-unsubstituted aryl iodide substrates, we discovered a unique C7-bromo-substituted NBE (N1) to offer the desired reactivity and selectivity. In addition to THBAs, synthesis of other benzo-seven-membered ring compounds can also be promoted by N1. Combined experimental and computational studies show that the C7-bromo group in N1 plays an important and versatile role in this catalysis, including promoting β-carbon elimination, suppressing benzocyclobutene formation, and stabilizing reaction intermediates. The mechanistic insights gained could guide future catalyst design. The synthetic utility has been demonstrated in a streamlined synthesis of tolvaptan and forming diverse pharmaceutically relevant THBA derivatives. Finally, a complementary and general catalytic condition to access C6-substituted THBAs from ortho-substituted aryl iodides has also been developed.