Redox-Neutral Ru(0)-Catalyzed Alkenylation of 2-Carboxaldimine-heterocyclopentadienes

J Org Chem. 2022 Apr 1;87(7):4640-4648. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.1c03044. Epub 2022 Mar 15.

Abstract

A new Ru3(CO)12-catalyzed directed alkenylation of 2-carboxaldimine-heterocyclopentadienes has been accomplished. This process allows coupling of furan, pyrrole, indole, and thiophene 2-carboxaldimines with electron-poor alkenes such as acrylates, vinylsulfones, and styrenes. This regio- and chemoselective oxidative C-H coupling does not require the presence of an additional sacrificial oxidant. Density functional theory calculations allowed us to propose a mechanism and unveiled the nature of the H2 acceptor.