Addition of Ketones and Nitriles to 1,3-Dienes Promoted by t-BuOK

Significance

The addition of C-H compounds to 1,3-dienes has been known for many years, however, it normally required a transition-metal catalyst; besides, the pK _a value of the nucleophile should be relatively low. Herein, a very simple and elegant protocol for the addition of simple ketones and nitriles to 1,3-dienes is described. It allows a convenient formation of relatively complex carbon frameworks by a cheap and atom-economical way. Many products prepared by this method are useful fragrances of industrial interest.