Stereospecific Synthesis of E-Alkenes through Anti-Markovnikov Hydroalkylation of Terminal Alkynes

J Am Chem Soc. 2019 Aug 14;141(32):12464-12469. doi: 10.1021/jacs.9b04800. Epub 2019 Aug 2.

Abstract

We have developed a method for stereospecific synthesis of E-alkenes from terminal alkynes and alkyl iodides. The hydroalkylation reaction is enabled by a cooperative action of copper and nickel catalysts and proceeds with excellent anti-Markovnikov selectivity. We demonstrate the broad scope of the reaction, which can be accomplished in the presence of esters, nitriles, aryl bromides, ethers, alkyl chlorides, anilines, and a wide range of nitrogen-containing heteroaromatic compounds. Mechanistic studies provide evidence that the copper catalyst activates the alkyne by hydrocupration, which controls both the regio- and diastereoselectivity of the overall reaction. The nickel catalyst activates the alkyl iodide and promotes cross coupling with the alkenyl copper intermediate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Alkenes / chemical synthesis*
  • Alkynes / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Coordination Complexes / chemistry
  • Copper / chemistry
  • Hydrocarbons, Iodinated / chemistry
  • Hydroxylation
  • Models, Chemical
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Alkenes
  • Alkynes
  • Coordination Complexes
  • Hydrocarbons, Iodinated
  • Copper