Direct stereoselective I-arylation of unmodified enals using an organocatalytic cross-coupling-like reaction

Xixi Song, Aiguo Song, Fang Zhang, He Xing Li, Wei Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cross-coupling reactions typically rely on the use of transition metal catalysis. However, although achieving this process using metal-free organocatalysts is highly challenging, it could offer unique opportunities to discover novel bond-forming strategies in organic synthesis. Here we report a new amine catalysed direct stereoselective C-H I-arylation reaction of unmodified enals with bromoarenes. The power of this process, which involves an unprecedented iminium-Michael-alkylation-enamine-retro-Michael cascade sequence, has been demonstrated in the context of direct I-functionalization reactions of simple, unmodified enals with 4-bromophenols, 1-bromo-2-naphthol and 3-bromoindoles under mild reaction conditions. Notably, the process can be used for highly stereoselective syntheses of non-readily accessible E isomers, which normally require the use of transition metal-promoted cross-couplings and functionalized enals. The results of these studies significantly expand the scope of aminocatalysis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number524
JournalNature communications
Volume2
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Chemistry(all)
  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)
  • General
  • Physics and Astronomy(all)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Direct stereoselective I-arylation of unmodified enals using an organocatalytic cross-coupling-like reaction'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this