Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Efficient Synthesis of All-Carbon Quaternary Centers via the Conjugate Addition of Functionalized Monoorganozinc Bromides
Published on: May 26, 2019
Synthesis of quaternary carbon centers via hydroformylation
1Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, USA.
Abstract:
The application of hydroformylation to the synthesis of quaternary carbon centers is reported. The synthesis of the highly substituted carbon is achieved by applying a catalytic amount of 1. Ligand 1 serves as a catalytic directing group by covalently and reversibly binding to both the substrate and catalyst. The intramolecular nature of the directing group strategy accelerates the hydroformylation reaction such that the reaction is performed at mild temperatures (35-55 degrees C) and with excellent regioselectivity (b:l > 94:6).
Related Concept Videos
Regioselectivity and Stereochemistry of Acid-Catalyzed Hydration
Alkynes to Aldehydes and Ketones: Hydroboration-Oxidation
One of the convenient methods for the preparation of aldehydes and ketones is via hydration of alkynes. Hydroboration-oxidation of alkynes is an indirect hydration reaction in which an alkyne is treated with borane followed by oxidation with alkaline peroxide to form an enol that rapidly converts into an aldehyde or a ketone. Terminal alkynes form aldehydes, whereas internal alkynes give ketones as the final product.
Multiple Halogenation of Methyl Ketones: Haloform Reaction
Aldehydes and Ketones with HCN: Cyanohydrin Formation Overview
Regioselectivity and Stereochemistry of Hydroboration
Hydroboration proceeds in a concerted fashion with the attack of borane on the π bond, giving a cyclic four-centered transition state. The –BH2 group is bonded to the less substituted carbon and –H to the more substituted carbon. The concerted nature requires the simultaneous addition of –H and –BH2 across the same face of the alkene giving syn stereochemistry.
Preparation of Alcohols via Addition Reactions
The acid-catalyzed addition of water to the double bond of alkenes is a large-scale industrial method used to synthesize low-molecular-weight alcohols. An acidic atmosphere is required to allow the hydrogen in the water molecule to act as an electrophile and attack the double bond in an alkene. The addition of a proton to the double bond creates a carbocation intermediate. The proton preferentially bonds to the less substituted end of the double bond to create a more stable carbocation...

