Highly efficient allyl cross-coupling reactions of allylindiums with organic electrophiles

This paper describes highly efficient allyl cross-coupling reactions of allylindiums with organic electrophiles such as aryl and vinyl triflates, vinyl halides, dibromoolefin, and alkynyl iodide. The reactions were carried out using 4 mol % Pd(PPh3)4 in the presence of 3 equiv of LiCl in DMF at 100 degrees C under a nitrogen atmosphere. Allylindium, generated from the reaction of 1 equiv of indium with 1.5 equiv of allyl halide, gave the best result as a coupling partner. The present method is mild and simple to apply, and it produces a diverse range of allylic compounds in good to excellent yields.