Hydromethylation of Unactivated Olefins

J Am Chem Soc. 2015 Jul 1;137(25):8046-9. doi: 10.1021/jacs.5b05144. Epub 2015 Jun 19.

Abstract

A solution to the classic unsolved problem of olefin hydromethylation is presented. This highly chemoselective method can tolerate labile and reactive chemical functionalities and uses a simple set of reagents. An array of olefins, including mono-, di-, and trisubstituted olefins, are all smoothly hydromethylated. This mild protocol can be used to simplify the synthesis of a specific target or to directly "edit" complex natural products and other advanced materials. The method is also amenable to the simple installation of radioactive and stable labeled methyl groups.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Alkenes / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Methane / chemistry*
  • Methylation
  • Models, Molecular
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Alkenes
  • Methane