Copper-mediated/catalyzed oxyalkylation of alkenes with alkylnitriles
A copper-promoted oxyalkylation of alkenes with alkylnitriles has been developed. The protocol provides rapid access to phthalides (γ-lactones) or isochromanones (d-lactones) via the formation of a C(sp3)-C(sp3) and a C(sp3)-O bond with the generation of up to two quaternary carbon atoms. Mechanistic studies suggest that this reaction is initiated by the formation of the C(sp3)-C(sp3) bond rather than the C(sp3)-O bond. Catalytic conditions were subsequently developed using carboxylic acid as an internal nucleophile.