Ni-Catalyzed Diastereoselective Coupling of Dienes and Aldehydes

Significance

A three-component coupling of dienes, aldehydes, and a diboron reagent allows for the synthesis of homoallylic alcohols with good diastereoselectivities. Although the yields are mostly moderate to low, the methodology can potentially be used for the synthesis of functionalized alcohols such as polyketides. Aromatic, aliphatic and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes can be used for the reaction. Notably, reaction with cis- and trans- dienes leads to the same stereoisomer.