Synthesis 2024; 56(18): 2886-2898
DOI: 10.1055/a-2302-5824
short review

Stepwise Carbene Transfer Reaction with Alkenes beyond Cyclopropanation

Minghan Yao
a   College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Laboratory of Xinjiang Native Medicinal and Edible Plant Resources Chemistry, Kashi University, Kashi 844000, P. R. of China
b   School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. of China
,
Shanliang Dong
b   School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. of China
,
Abdulla Yusuf
a   College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Laboratory of Xinjiang Native Medicinal and Edible Plant Resources Chemistry, Kashi University, Kashi 844000, P. R. of China
,
Xinfang Xu
b   School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. of China
› Institutsangaben

Support for this research from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (22371309), Guangdong Provincial Key R & D Programme (21202107201900002), The Key Laboratory Open Project of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (2021D04018) and The Key Laboratory Open Project of Xinjiang Native Medicinal and Edible Plant Resources Chemistry (KSUZDSYS202103) is greatly acknowledged.


Abstract

Metal carbene transfer reactions have been well-established as an indispensable tool in modern organic synthesis, especially in the construction of C–C and C–X bonds with high efficiency and selectivity. Among these, stepwise carbene transfer reaction with alkenes beyond classical cyclopropanation reaction has been demonstrated as a practical method for the effective olefinic C–H/C–C bond functionalization. This review highlights the recent achievements in this area for the direct C–C bond formation involving metal carbene species with alkenes through a through stepwise reaction pathway. The content of this review is organized into three general categories according to the types of the reactions, including (i) direct nucleophilic addition of alkenes with metal carbene species, (ii) cross-coupling reaction via an alkenylic C–H bond activation and migration insertion sequence, and (iii) catalytic coupling reaction involving radical intermediate. Considering this rapidly evolving field, detailed reaction mechanism, current limitations, and future research directions are discussed.

1 Introduction

2 Nucleophilic Addition of Alkenes to Metal Carbene Species

2.1 Using Polarized Alkenes

2.2 Using Unactivated Alkenes

2.3 Cascade Reactions

3 Cross-Coupling Reaction Involving Metal Carbene Migratory Insertion Process

4 Coupling Reaction Involving Radical Intermediate

5 Conclusions and Perspectives



Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 13. März 2024

Angenommen nach Revision: 09. April 2024

Accepted Manuscript online:
09. April 2024

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
17. April 2024

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