Iron-Mediated Dialkylation of Alkenylarenes with Benzyl Bromides

J Org Chem. 2024 Apr 4. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c02548. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

We disclose a method for the dibenzylation of alkenylarenes with benzyl bromides using iron powder. This reaction generates branched alkyl scaffolds adorned with functionalized aryl rings through the formation of two new C(sp3)-C(sp3) bonds at the vicinal carbons of alkenes. This protocol tolerates electron-rich, electron-neutral, and electron-poor benzyl bromides and alkenylarenes. Mechanistic studies suggest the formation of benzylic radical intermediates as a result of single-electron transfer from the iron, which is intercepted by alkenylarenes.