A Mechanistic Switch from Homoallylation to Cyclopropylcarbinylation of Aldehydes

Org Lett. 2022 Jul 1;24(25):4660-4664. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.2c01790. Epub 2022 Jun 23.

Abstract

Cyclopropanated allylboration reagents participate in homoallylation reactions of aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes, generating allylic-substituted alkenes that are difficult to produce via other methods. In studying the effect of cyclopropane substituents, we discovered that an aryl substituent completely changes the outcome to cyclopropylcarbinylation, as if the cyclopropylcarbinyl fragment were transferred intact. However, density functional theory computation suggested a novel mechanism involving ring opening and reclosure, which is supported by experimental evidence.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Aldehydes*
  • Alkenes*
  • Indicators and Reagents

Substances

  • Aldehydes
  • Alkenes
  • Indicators and Reagents