Z-Selective Olefin Synthesis via Iron-Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of Alkyl Halides with Terminal Arylalkynes

J Am Chem Soc. 2015 Apr 22;137(15):4932-5. doi: 10.1021/jacs.5b01784. Epub 2015 Apr 9.

Abstract

Selective catalytic synthesis of Z-olefins has been challenging. Here we describe a method to produce 1,2-disubstituted olefins in high Z selectivity via reductive cross-coupling of alkyl halides with terminal arylalkynes. The method employs inexpensive and nontoxic catalyst (iron(II) bromide) and reductant (zinc). The substrate scope encompasses primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl halides, and the reaction tolerates a large number of functional groups. The utility of the method is demonstrated in the synthesis of several pharmaceutically relevant molecules. Mechanistic study suggests that the reaction proceeds through an iron-catalyzed anti-selective carbozincation pathway.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkenes / chemical synthesis*
  • Alkenes / chemistry
  • Alkynes / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Ferrous Compounds / chemistry*
  • Hydrocarbons, Halogenated / chemistry*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Zinc / chemistry

Substances

  • Alkenes
  • Alkynes
  • Ferrous Compounds
  • Hydrocarbons, Halogenated
  • Zinc