Direct Stereodivergent Olefination of Carbonyl Compounds with Sulfur Ylides

J Am Chem Soc. 2022 Jul 13;144(27):12536-12543. doi: 10.1021/jacs.2c05637. Epub 2022 Jun 30.

Abstract

The reactivity of phosphorus and sulfur ylides toward carbonyl compounds constitutes a well-known dichotomy that is a common educational device in organic chemistry─the former gives olefins, while the latter gives epoxides. Herein, we report a stereodivergent carbonyl olefination that challenges this dichotomy, showcasing thiouronium ylides as valuable olefination reagents. With this method, aldehydes are converted to Z-alkenes with high stereoselectivity and broad substrate scope, while N-tosylimines provide a similarly proficient entry to E-alkenes. In-depth computational and experimental studies clarified the mechanistic details of this unusual reactivity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aldehydes* / chemistry
  • Alkenes* / chemistry
  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Molecular Structure
  • Sulfur

Substances

  • Aldehydes
  • Alkenes
  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Sulfur