Regioselective Metal-Free Aza-Heck Reactions of Terminal Alkenes Catalyzed by Phosphine Selenides

Org Lett. 2018 Nov 2;20(21):6975-6978. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.8b03159. Epub 2018 Oct 19.

Abstract

Phosphine selenides are introduced as an alternate class of selenium-based catalysts for the aza-Heck reaction of alkenes. Using these catalysts, a range of terminal alkenes react with NFBS to give oxidative amination products. Judicious choice of phosphine ligand gives greater regio- and stereoselectivity than with diphenyl diselenide, enabling the selective formation of E terminal enimides in high yields. Isotope-labeling experiments and measurements of kinetic isotope effects reveal that the reaction occurs stereospecifically via irreversible anti addition, followed by rate-determining syn elimination.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.