Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Preparation of N-(2-alkoxyvinyl)sulfonamides from N-tosyl-1,2,3-triazoles and Subsequent Conversion to Substituted Phthalans and Phenethylamines
Published on: January 3, 2018
Synthetic applications of rhodium catalysed conjugate addition
Hannah J Edwards1, Jonathan D Hargrave, Stephen D Penrose
1Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
Abstract:
The rhodium catalysed conjugate addition of organometallics to activated alkenes is a powerful synthetic tool for establishing new carbon-carbon bonds often with high stereoselectivity. The introduction of a practical, efficient method for introducing functionalised aryl and alkenyl fragments with predictable stereocontrol has caught the attention of synthetic chemists and emerging examples are growing in number and complexity. In this tutorial review, we document notable advances in the application of rhodium catalysed conjugate addition processes within the context of synthesis of complex molecules and intermediates in drug discovery. The chosen examples illustrate important issues regarding scope, selectivity and reactivity that will help guide the selection of appropriate donor and acceptor to achieve the desired carbon-carbon bond construction when planning new synthetic routes.
Related Concept Videos
Conjugate Addition (1,4-Addition) vs Direct Addition (1,2-Addition)
Conjugate addition results in a thermodynamically stable product. The reaction retains the stronger C=O bond at the expense of the weaker C=C π bond. The process is slow as the β carbon is less electrophilic than the carbonyl carbon.
Direct addition products are formed faster owing to...
Reduction of Alkenes: Asymmetric Catalytic Hydrogenation
The metal catalyst used can be either heterogeneous or homogeneous. When hydrogenation of an alkene generates a chiral center, a pair of enantiomeric products is expected to form. However, an enantiomeric excess of one of the products can be facilitated using an enantioselective reaction or an...
Conjugate Addition to α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds
Cyclohexenones via Michael Addition and Aldol Condensation: The Robinson Annulation
Cycloaddition Reactions: Overview
Electrophilic Addition to Alkynes: Hydrohalogenation

