Mechanistic aspects of the isomerization of Z-vinylic tellurides double bonds in the synthesis of potassium Z-vinyltrifluoroborate salts

Beilstein J Org Chem. 2008 Feb 5:4:9. doi: 10.1186/1860-5397-4-9.

Abstract

Through direct transmetalation reaction of Z-vinylic tellurides with nBuLi was observed the unexpected isomerization of double bonds leading to potassium E-vinyltrifluoroborates salts in low to moderate yields. Using EPR spin trapping experiments the radical species that promoted the stereoinversion of Z-vinylic organometallic species during the preparation of potassium vinyltrifluoroborate salts was identified. The experiments support the proposed mechanism, which is based on the homolytic cleavage of the TenBu bond.