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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

A Two-Step Protocol for Umpolung Functionalization of Ketones Via Enolonium Species
Published on: August 16, 2018
Asymmetric Ni-catalyzed conjugate allylation of activated enones
Joshua D Sieber1, James P Morken
1Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, USA.
Abstract:
The nickel-catalyzed enantioselective addition of allylboronic acid pinacol ester, allylB(pin), is described. This reaction is highly effective with dialkylidene ketones and favors the allylation of the benzylidene site in nonsymmetric substrates. The reaction appears to proceed by conversion of the dialkylidene ketone substrate to an unsaturated pi-allyl complex (I), followed by reductive elimination. Enantioselectivities range from 91 to 94% ee for a range of substrates when chiral ligand 14 is employed.
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