Abstract
The selective construction of two C(sp3)–C(sp3) bonds through trimolecular cross-coupling of unactivated alkenes remains one of
the most difficult challenges in organic synthesis. Despite previous advances in metal-catalyzed
coupling for the dicarbofunctionalization of alkenes, dialkylation is still problematic
due to the instability of the requisite metal–alkyl intermediate, which undergoes
facile β-hydride elimination or protodemetalation. Recently, our group was successful
in developing a bimolecular homolytic substitution (SH2) strategy that circumvents metal–alkyl side reactions and accomplishes the challenging
cross-coupling of metal–alkyl intermediates with alkyl radicals in the absence of
a directing auxiliary, permitting a highly regioselective dialkylation of unactivated
alkenes.
1 Introduction
2 Nickel-Catalyzed Dicarbofunctionalization of Unactivated Alkenes
3 Nickel-Catalyzed Dialkylation of Unactivated Alkenes
4 Conclusions and Perspectives
Key words
nickel catalysis - dialkylation - unactivated alkenes - bimolecular homolytic substitution
- radicals