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The Wittig reaction of butylidenetriphenylphosphorane with benzaldehyde using LiHMDS as base in THF was studied. The stereochemical drift (different ratio obtained in alkenes versus oxaphosphetane intermediates) was followed by low-temperature 1D NMR tech

The thermal decomposition of phenylchlorodiazirine (1), phenyl-n-butyldiazirine (2), and 2-adamantane-2,3′-[3H]diazirine (3) has been studied in solution in the presence of C60. The C60 probe technique indicates that in the decomposition diazirine 1 yielded exclusively phenylchlorocarbene, diazirine 2 yielded mainly a diazo intermediate, and diazirine 3 yielded a mixture of carbene and diazo compound. In the case of diazirine 2, 13percent of (E)-1-phenyl-1-pentene resulted from the direct thermal rearrangement of diazirine without the participation of a carbene. As well, the thermal decomposition of these diazirines has been studied theoretically with ab initio and density functional methods. The experimental results are broadly in agreement with the theoretical predictions. The calculations further indicate that the rebound reaction between carbene and molecular nitrogen leading to the formation of a diazo intermediate is an important reaction in the gas-phase decomposition of diazirine.

The formal total synthesis of camptothecin was achieved via two types of lithiation reactions of pyridine derivatives and a Pd-catalyzed carbonylation of pyridylmethyl methanesulfonates.

Pd-catalyzed synthesis of allylsilanes from chlorosilanes and allyl ethers is described. The reaction proceeds efficiently at room temperature by the use of phenyl or vinyl Grignard reagent in the presence of palladium catalysts. The present method can also be applied to synthesis of propargylsilanes by the use of propargyl ethers. Copyright

(equation presented) A solventless Suzuki coupling has been developed. A commercially available potassium fluoride-alumina mixture is utilized along with palladium black.

(Chemical Equation Presented) The 1,5-dilithiation of o-TMS blocked (dimethylamino)phenylmethylferrocene 4 unexpectedly occurred even though one equimolar amount of t-BuLi was used and the 1,5-dilithiated ferrocene 6 was trapped by iodine followed by remo

Cinnamyl chlorides undergo selective SN2' allylic substitution by Grignard reagents using catalytic amount (1 mol%) of CuCN and 1-2 mol% trivalent phosphorus ligand, in dichloromethane. With chiral phosphorus ligands derived from TADDOL ee's up

We report a novel example of electro-mediated photoredox catalysis (e-PRC) in the reductive cleavage of C(sp3)?O bonds of phosphinated alcohols to alkyl carbanions. As well as deoxygenations, olefinations are reported which are E-selective and can be made Z-selective in a tandem reduction/photosensitization process where both steps are photoelectrochemically promoted. Spectroscopy, computation, and catalyst structural variations reveal that our new naphthalene monoimide-type catalyst allows for an intimate dispersive precomplexation of its radical anion form with the phosphinate substrate, facilitating a reactivity-determining C(sp3)?O cleavage. Surprisingly and in contrast to previously reported photoexcited radical anion chemistries, our conditions tolerate aryl chlorides/bromides and do not give rise to Birch-type reductions.

The novel poly(vinyldiphenylphosphine) could be easily prepared by using the reactions of the cheap poly(vinyl chloride) with sodium phosphides. Poly(vinyldiphenylphosphine) is soluble in common solvents while its corresponding phosphine oxide is hardly soluble in the solvents. Taking advantage of this different solubility, poly(vinyldiphenylphosphine) could be used as a soluble phosphinopolymer for the Wittig reactions. The reactions could take place efficiently to produce the corresponding olefins while the isolation of the products were simple since the resulted poly(vinyldiphenylphosphine oxide) was not soluble in the solvent and could be easily removed by filtration.

Stereoselective production of alkenes from the alkyne hydrogenation plays a crucial role in the chemical industry. However, for heterogeneous metal catalysts, the olefins in cis-configuration are usually dominant in the products due to the most important and common Horiuti-Polanyi mechanism involved over the metal surface. In this work, through combined theoretical and experimental investigations, we demonstrate a novel isomerization mechanism mediated by the frustrated hydrogen atoms via the H2 dissociation at the defect on solid surface, which can lead to the switch in selectivity from the cis-configuration to trans-configuration without overhydrogenation. The defective Rh2S3 with exposing facet of (110) exhibits outstanding performance as a heterogeneous metal catalyst for stereoselective production of trans-olefins. With the frustrated hydrogen atoms at spatially separated high-valence Rh sites, the isolated hydrogen mediated cis-to-trans isomerization of olefins can be effectively conducted and the overhydrogenation can be completely inhibited. Furthermore, the bifunctional Rh-S/Pd nanosheets have been synthesized through the surface modification of Pd nanosheets with rhodium and sulfide. With the selective semihydrogenation of alkynes into cis-olefins catalyzed by the small surface PdSx ensembles, the bifunctional Rh-S/Pd nanosheets exhibit excellent activity and stereoselectivity in the one-pot alkyne hydrogenation into trans-olefin, which surpasses the most reported homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts.

The present invention relates, in general terms, to methods of borylation and uses thereof. In particular, the present invention provides a method of borylating an alkene compound by contacting the compound with a boron compound, a Fe pre-catalyst and a protic additive. The borylation occurs at a vicinal (β) position to an electron donating or electron withdrawing moiety of the compound.

A new efficient method for the synthesis of a high ratio of E -alkenes from E / Z mixtures of alkenes with B 2pin 2in the presence of a rhodium catalyst is described. This reaction features mild reaction conditions, broad functional group tolerance, and highly great application potential.

The rhodium-catalyzed deoxygenation and borylation of ketones with B2pin2 have been developed, leading to efficient formation of alkenes, vinylboronates, and vinyldiboronates. These reactions feature mild reaction conditions, a broad substrate scope, and excellent functional-group compatibility. Mechanistic studies support that the ketones initially undergo a Rh-catalyzed deoxygenation to give alkenes via boron enolate intermediates, and the subsequent Rh-catalyzed dehydrogenative borylation of alkenes leads to the formation of vinylboronates and diboration products, which is also supported by density functional theory calculations.

The palladium-catalyzed reaction of γ-silylated allyl acetates with water in the presence of CsF induces a previously unprecedented 1,2-shift of a substituent on silicon to produce allylsilanes in situ. The catalytic activity of the palladium increased when using an electron-poor phosphine ligand possessing fluorinated substituents. Further investigation of the reaction revealed that the approximate order of the migratory aptitude of groups from silicon was PhC≡C, allyl > Bn > Ph, vinyl > alkyl (Me, Et). A density functional theory study was employed to explore the reaction mechanism. Finally, the Hosomi–Sakurai-type allylation of aldehydes with in situ-generated α,γ-disubstituted allylsilanes was also investigated.

Migratory functionalization of alkenes has emerged as a powerful strategy to achieve functionalization at a distal position to the original reactive site on a hydrocarbon chain. However, an analogous protocol for alkyne substrates is yet to be developed. Herein, a base and cobalt relay catalytic process for the selective synthesis of (Z)-2-alkenes and conjugated E alkenes by migratory hydrogenation of terminal alkynes is disclosed. Mechanistic studies support a relay catalytic process involving a sequential base-catalyzed isomerization of terminal alkynes and cobalt-catalyzed hydrogenation of either 2-alkynes or conjugated diene intermediates. Notably, this practical non-noble metal catalytic system enables efficient control of the chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivity of this transformation.

Aliphatic primary amines are prevalent in natural products, pharmaceuticals, and functional materials. While a plethora of processes are reported for their synthesis, methods that directly install a free amine group into C(sp3)-H bonds remain unprecedented. Here, we report a set of new-to-nature enzymes that catalyze the direct primary amination of C(sp3)-H bonds with excellent chemo-, regio-, and enantioselectivity, using a readily available hydroxylamine derivative as the nitrogen source. Directed evolution of genetically encoded cytochrome P411 enzymes (P450s whose Cys axial ligand to the heme iron has been replaced with Ser) generated variants that selectively functionalize benzylic and allylic C-H bonds, affording a broad scope of enantioenriched primary amines. This biocatalytic process is efficient and selective (up to 3930 TTN and 96percent ee), and can be performed on preparative scale.

The catalytic isomerization of C-C double bonds is an indispensable chemical transformation used to deliver higher-value analogues and has important utility in the chemical industry. Notwithstanding the advances reported in this field, there is compelling demand for a general catalytic solution that enables precise control of the C═C bond migration position, in both cyclic and acyclic systems, to furnish disubstituted and trisubstituted alkenes. Here, we show that catalytic amounts of an appropriate earth-abundant iron-based complex, a base and a boryl compound, promote efficient and controllable alkene transposition. Mechanistic investigations reveal that these processes likely involve in situ formation of an iron-hydride species which promotes olefin isomerization through sequential olefin insertion/β-hydride elimination. Through this strategy, regiodivergent access to different products from one substrate can be facilitated, isomeric olefin mixtures commonly found in petroleum-derived feedstock can be transformed to a single alkene product, and unsaturated moieties embedded within linear and heterocyclic biologically active entities can be obtained.

A new type of dianionic Ir(III) CCC pincer complexes (SNHC-Ir, 1a-1c) is successfully designed and synthesized by developing a one-step methodology, which involves an initial coordination of Ir(I) with the NHC and subsequent metallation of double sp2C- H bonds. This method is considerably useful over those reported by using strong coordination ligand or carbonic anion exchange, and would provide an alternative efficient template of organometallics synthesis. Experimental and density functional theory (DFT) calculation results indicate that the spirocyclic framework is a favourable factor for the facile formation and stabilization of these complexes. Primary investigation shows that chloride 1b can well catalyze homo and hetero addition of styrene derivatives and remote olefin isomerization, which represents the first catalytic application of the dianionic CCC pincer complexes.

A photocatalyst-free stereoselectively photo-induced strategy for the denitroalkylation of β-nitrostyrenes using 4-alkyl substituted Hantzsch esters as the alkyl source under xenon lamp irradiation is developed. The reaction proceeds at room temperature and affords the corresponding products in moderate to excellent yields. The oxidant di-t-butyl peroxide serves as an efficient radical initiator under irradiation of a Xenon lamp, initiating alkyl radicals from the 4-alkyl substituted Hantzsch esters.

Herein we present the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of potent and highly selective β-secretase 2 (memapsin 1, beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 2, or BACE 2) inhibitors. BACE2 has been recognized as an exciting new target for type 2 diabetes. The X-ray structure of BACE1 bound to inhibitor 2 a {N3-[(1S,2R)-1-benzyl-2-hydroxy-3-[[(1S,2S)-2-hydroxy-1-(isobutylcarbamoyl)propyl]amino]propyl]-5-[methyl(methylsulfonyl)amino]-N1-[(1R)-1-phenylpropyl]benzene-1,3-dicarboxamide} containing a hydroxyethylamine isostere was determined. Based on this structure, a computational docking study was performed which led to inhibitor 2 a-bound BACE2 models. These were used to optimize the potency and selectivity of inhibitors. A systematic structure–activity relationship study led to the identification of determinants of the inhibitors’ potency and selectivity toward the BACE2 enzyme. Inhibitors 2 d [N3-[(1S,2R)-1-benzyl-2-hydroxy-3-[[(1S,2S)-2-hydroxy-1-(isobutylcarbamoyl)pentyl]amino]propyl]-N1-methyl-N1-[(1R)-1-phenylpropyl]benzene-1,3-dicarboxamide; Ki=0.031 nm, selectivity over BACE1: ≈174 000-fold] and 3 l [N1-((2S,3R)-3-hydroxy-1-phenyl-4-((3-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)amino)butan-2-yl)-N3,5-dimethyl-N3-((R)-1-phenylethyl)isophthalamide; Ki=1.6 nm, selectivity over BACE1: >500-fold] displayed outstanding potency and selectivity. Inhibitor 3 l is nonpeptide in nature and may pave the way to the development of a new class of potent and selective BACE2 inhibitors with clinical potential.

Transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling chemistry can be regarded as one of the most powerful protocols to construct carbon–carbon bonds. While the field is still dominated by palladium catalysis, there is an increasing interest to develop protocols that utilize cheaper and more sustainable metal sources. Herein, we report a selective, practical, and fast iron-based cross-coupling reaction that enables the formation of Csp?Csp3 and Csp2?Csp3 bonds. In a telescoped flow process, the reaction can be combined with the Grignard reagent synthesis. Moreover, flow allows the use of a supporting ligand to be avoided without eroding the reaction selectivity.

Asymmetric copper-catalyzed allylic alkylation between allyl bromides and alkyl Grignard reagents using a P-chiral monophosphorus ligand is described. A range of terminal olefins bearing tertiary or quaternary carbon centers were formed in good branched/linear selectivities and excellent enantioselectivities at copper loadings as low as 0.5 mol %.

We report herein that thermodynamic and kinetic isomerization of alkenes can be accomplished by the combination of visible light with Co catalysis. Utilizing Xantphos as the ligand, the most stable isomers are obtained, while isomerizing terminal alkenes over one position can be selectively controlled by using DPEphos as the ligand. The presence of the donor–acceptor dye 4CzIPN accelerates the reaction further. Transformation of exocyclic alkenes into the corresponding endocyclic products could be efficiently realized by using 4CzIPN and Co(acac)2 in the absence of any additional ligands. Spectroscopic and spectroelectrochemical investigations indicate CoI being involved in the generation of a Co hydride, which subsequently adds to alkenes initiating the isomerization.

The construction of CN bonds was achieved by the dehydrogenative coupling of alcohol and azide via aza-Wittig type reaction. The reaction is catalyzed by an acridine-derived ruthenium pincer complex and does not use any oxidant. The present protocol offers a wide substrate scope, including aliphatic, aryl or heteroaryl alcohol/azides. This expeditious protocol was successfully applied to construct a CC bond directly from alcohol via dehydrogenative Wittig reaction. Furthermore, the synthesis of structurally important pyrrolo[1,4]benzodiazepine derivatives was also achieved by this methodology.

Abstract: A novel synthesis of styrene derivatives through decaroxylative olefination of potassium benzoates with alkynes using Pd2dba3/CuBr as catalyst system has been developed. The protocol proceeded smoothly and in most cases Z-alkene was the main product. Electron-rich potassium benzoates reacted more efficiently than those of electron-deficient substrates. Heteroaromatic and electron-deficient aryl alkynes were not consistent with this transformation. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].

We have developed unprecedented methods for the direct transformation of primary alcohols to alkenes in the presence of hydrazine, and for the synthesis of mixed alkenes by the reaction of alcohols with hydrazones. The reactions are catalyzed by a manganese pincer complex and proceed in absence of added base or hydrogen acceptors, liberating dihydrogen, dinitrogen, and water as the only byproducts. The proposed mechanism, based on preparation of proposed intermediates and control experiments, suggests that the transformation occurs through metal–ligand cooperative N?H activation of a hydrazone intermediate.

This paper reports the preparation of new ruthenium(II) complexes supported by a pyrazole-phosphine ligand and their application to transfer hydrogenation of various substrates. These Ru complexes were found to be efficient catalysts for the reduction of nitriles and olefins. Heterocyclic compounds undergo transfer hydrogenation with good to moderate yields, affording examples of unusual hydrogenation of all-carbon-rings. Internal alkynes with bulky substituents show selective reduction to olefins with the unusual E–selectivity. Esters with strong electron-withdrawing groups can be reduced to the corresponding alcohols, if ethanol is used as the solvent. Possible mechanisms of hydrogenation and olefin isomerization are suggested on the basis of kinetic studies and labelling experiments.

Herein, we report a novel cobalt-catalyzed stereodivergent transfer hydrogenation of alkynes to Z- and E-alkenes. Effective selectivity control is achieved based on a rational catalyst design. Moreover, this mild system allows for the transfer hydrogenation of alkynes bearing a wide range of functional groups in good yields using catalyst loadings as low as 0.2 mol %. The general applicability of this procedure is highlighted by the synthesis of more than 50 alkenes with good chemo- and stereoselectivity. A preliminary mechanistic study revealed that E-alkene product was generated via sequential alkyne hydrogenation to give Z-alkene intermediate, followed by a Z to E alkene isomerization process.

The development of semi-stabilized, stabilized, and functionalized ylides derived from short-chain trialkylphosphines in the Wittig-type olefination reactions toward the synthesis of alkenes, including stilbenes, styrenes, and 1,3-dienes, as well as reagents for homologation reactions, are described. The methods allow easy access to alkenes with high (E)-stereoselectivity in good yield. These reactions are conducted with weak bases in aqueous media, which allows easy separation of water-soluble phosphine oxides. The development of a mild organocatalytic process for the Wittig reaction and extension toward the preparation of reporter stilbenes under biological conditions are also described. Applications toward the preparation of biologically active natural products and derivatives are discussed.

A simple catalytic method involving all-metal aromatic frameworks as precatalysts ensures an efficient route to (Z)-alkenes. Aromatic triangular palladium clusters were used to reduce internal alkynes without any trace of the formation of alkane side products. These trinuclear complexes provide a catalytic system that parallels the activity and selectivity of their best mononuclear peers, and the catalyst likely operates through complementary mechanisms.

An efficient and highly α-selective copper-catalyzed allylic alkylation of allylic halides with organolithium reagents is presented. The use of N-heterocyclic carbenes as ligands is key to reverse the common γ-selectivity of this transformation and gives rise to the corresponding linear products with high levels of regioselectivity.

A direct organocatalytic carbonyl/olefin oxo-metathesis has been developed. The reaction is catalyzed by trityl tetrafluoroborate (TrBF4) and utilizes unactivated alkenes for the olefination of aromatic aldehydes to give trans β-alkylstyrenes in yields of 44-85% with only acetone as the byproduct. The pronounced Lewis acidity of the carbocation results in unusual reactivity that is proposed to catalyze a stepwise [2+2] cycloaddition to give an oxetane intermediate. Fragmentation of the latter in a formal retro [2+2] reaction gives the oxo-metathesis product.

Reported here is the catalytic, acceptorless coupling of alcohols with in situ generated, non-stabilized phosphonium ylides to form olefins as major products. The reaction uses low catalyst loadings and does not require added oxidants. Hydrogenation of the product is minimized and the reaction leads to Z (aliphatic) or E (benzylic) stereospecificity.

The radical anions of β-lactams, photogenerated in the presence of DABCO as an electron donor, undergo cycloreversion via N-C4 bond cleavage, back electron transfer and final C2-C3 bond cleavage, leading to olefins. The involved intermediates are 1,4-radi

The chemoselective reduction of alkyne, ketones, or nitro groups using (Ph3P)3RuCl2 as an inexpensive catalyst and Zn/water as a stoichiometric reductant is reported. Depending on the nature of the additive and the temperature, good chemoselectivities were observed allowing, e.g., for the selective reduction of a nitro group in the presence of a ketone or an alkyne.

A synthetic route towards a number of novel IBiox N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands has been developed. The resulting ligands have restricted flexibility and high steric demand. Preliminary studies have shown these ligands to give high levels of asymmetric induction in the copper-free allylic alkylation of cinnamyl bromide.

A one-pot reaction of Boc-protected amino alcohols and 2-sulfobenzoic anhydride followed by the addition of a wide variety of primary amines has allowed rapid access to diverse libraries of amidosulfonates 1,2-C 6H4(SO3su

By using a readily available, air- and moisture-stable dihydrido-Ru complex, a variety of Z olefins are accessible under transfer-hydrogenation conditions with formic acid as the hydrogen source in excellent yields and Z/E selectivities. A discerning transformation: Z-Configured C=C bonds are stereoselectively formed from alkynes in the presence of a Ru catalyst with formic acid as the sole H2 source at room temperature (see scheme). A variety of functional groups are compatible with this novel procedure. Operational simplicity and the lack of overreduction products are characteristics for this unprecedented process.

A rhodium-catalyzed reductive cleavage reaction of carbon-cyano bonds is developed using hydrosilane as a mild reducing agent. A wide range of nitriles, including aryl, benzyl, and p-hydrogen containing alkyl cyanides are applicable to this decyanation reaction. The method is also applicable to organic synthesis, in which benzyl cyanide is used as a benzyl anion equivalent and a cyano group functions as a removable ortho-directing group.

(Chemical Equation Presented) 2-Arylchromans were readily prepared from the hetero-Diels-Alder reactions of styrenes with the ortho-quinone methides (o-QMs) which, in turn, were generated by treating the MOM-protected benzylacetate derivatives with p-TsOH immobilized on silica (PTS-Si) in toluene under mild conditions (0°C to rt). The corresponding chromans were obtained in moderate to excellent yields (42-97%) and in moderate to excellent diastereoselectivity (up to >99:1).

The chemoselective formation of trialkyl(benzylidene) ylides in water and their Wittig reaction with aromatic and. aliphatic aldehydes provides a practical, stereoselective and environmentally benign route to valuable (E)-stilbenes and alkenes. The synthesis of the phytoalexin resveratrol is described, J.n addition, the method allows for a gram-scale synthesis of the anticancer agent DMU-212 utilizing no organic solvent at any stage. Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

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The Direct Approach: Enones possessing appendant allylic carbonates react directly with diorganozinc reagents in the presence of zinc diiodide [ZnI 2] to provide 5- and 6-membered ring products of tandem or domino conjugate addition-cycloallylation in good to excellent yield. In a related copper-free transformation, allylic carbonates are found to engage in direct allylic substitution with diorganozinc reagents.

Simple organic acids like 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBSA) catalyze the Ritter reaction of secondary benzylic alcohols giving rise to the corresponding N-benzylacetamides in usually high yields. Reactions can be conducted without exclusion of oxygen and without the need of dry solvents. With tertiary α,α-dimethylbenzylic alcohols a different pathway involving a formal dimerization reaction takes place under the acid-catalytic conditions used. Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 2007.

The Wittig reaction of benzyltriphenylphosphonium chloride with aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes has been investigated, respectively, in two-phase solvent system (dichloromethane / water) in the presence of sodium hydroxide. Both, the effect of the size of aliphatic aldehydes and the effect of substitution on benzaldehyde to the cis/trans ratios have been studied. It has been found that the use of aliphatic aldehydes in Wittig reaction gives higher ratio of trans alkene isomer. However, when aromatic aldehyde is used, the ratio of the cis alkene isomer is found to be higher than that of the trans isomer. In addition, the electronic nature of substituents (electron-donating group versus electron-withdrawing group) causes some changes in the cis/trans ratio of the product stilbene.

The successful development of an indirect three-step domino sequence for the formation of C-C bonds from alcohol substrates is described. An iridium-catalysed dehydrogenation of alcohol 1 affords the intermediate aldehyde 2. The desired C-C bond can then be formed by a facile Wittig olefination, yielding the intermediate alkene 3. In the final step the alkene is hydrogenated to afford the indirect Wittig product, the alkane 4. The key to this process is the concept of borrowing hydrogen; hydrogen removed in the initial dehydrogenation step is simply borrowed by the iridium catalyst. Functioning as a hydrogen reservoir, the catalyst facilitates C-C bond formation before subsequently returning the borrowed hydrogen in the final step. Herein we present full details of our examination into both the substrate and reaction scope and the limitations of the catalytic cycle. Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 2006.

A catalyst system able to perform highly enantioselective Cu-catalysed allylic alkylations with Grignard reagents is described. The Royal Society of Chemistry 2006.

The reaction of alkoxides with boron trichloride results in the generation of cations in the absence of Bronsted acids. The absence of a Bronsted acid can make a difference in subsequent transformations such as allylation reactions. Copyright

New phosphoramidites were applied as chiral ligands in the Cu-catalyzed allylic alkylation with dialkylzinc reagents. A variety of substrates, reagents and chiral ligands were screened, resulting in improved catalytic methodology for allylic bromides in w

Copper mediated allylic substitutions and conjugate additions to geranyl, cinnamyl and allylic indole compounds have been investigated with the aim of finding a method for the creation of the all-carbon quaternary centre present in the natural product lyngbyatoxin A. Reaction conditions have been found giving a 68% SN2' selectivity in the copper mediated addition of PhMgBr to geranyl chloride, as well as 99% and 95% SN2' selectivity in the copper catalysed addition of EtMgBr to cinnamyl chloride and acetate, respectively. When the optimised reaction conditions were applied to the corresponding allylic compounds containing a 7-substituted indole moiety, the regioselectivity was reversed giving only the SN2 product. The allylic indole-containing substrates were also found to be unproductive in Pd- or Mo-catalysed SN2'-type substitution reactions. In related studies, copper catalysed conjugate addition of EtMgBr to the tricyclic lactam 6-methyl-pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinolin-4-one gave a maximum of 20% of the 1,4-addition product.

An easy and straightforward new method for the preparation of sp 2 zirconocene derivatives from a wide range of heterosubstituted alkenes such as vinyl sulfides, sulfoxides and sulfones is described. In all cases, a complete isomerization of the stereochemistry is observed and only the E-isomer is obtained. The reactivity of the resulting vinylic organometallic can be increased by a transmetalation reaction into organocopper, organozinc or organopalladium species and, therefore, several carbon-carbon formation were easily realized.

Very high enantioselectivity has been achieved both in the copper-catalyzed alkylation of allylic substrates by Grignard and organozinc reagents and in the iridium-catalyzed animation of cinnamyl carbonate by employing a very efficient phosphoramidite ligand (see scheme).

A solventless Suzuki coupling reaction has been developed which utilizes a commercially available potassium fluoride alumina mixture and palladium powder. The new reaction is convenient, environmentally friendly, and generates good yields of the coupled products. Aryl iodides react faster than the bromides or chlorides; aryl groups are also more reactive than alkenyl groups, which react faster than alkyl groups. The use of microwave irradiation accelerates the reaction, decreasing reaction times from hours to minutes. The palladium powder catalyst can be recycled using a simple filtration and washing sequence without loss of catalytic activity.

A simple, good yielding and solvent-free aldol-Grob reaction sequence, catalysed by Yb(OTf)3 hydrate, affording (E)-alkenes regioselectively from aldehydes and ketones is described. Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003.