Stereospecific synthesis of (Z) or (E)-3-methylalk-2-enoic acids

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(95)00285-K

The palladium catalysed coupling of organozinc or organotin reagents with 3-iodobut-2(or 3)-enoic acid is stereoselective and affords Z (or E)-3-methylalk-2-enoic acids. The method was applied to the synthesis of the E and Z stereoisomers of ocimenones and pseudo-tagetones.