Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 26, 2026

Facile Preparation of 2Z,4E-Dienamides by the Olefination of Electron-deficient Alkenes with Allyl Acetate
Published on: June 21, 2017
Catalytic SN2'- and Enantioselective Allylic Substitution with a Diborylmethane Reagent and Application in Synthesis
1Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA.
Abstract:
A catalytic method for the site- and enantioselective addition of commercially available di-B(pin)-methane to allylic phosphates is introduced (pin=pinacolato). Transformations may be facilitated by an NHC-Cu complex (NHC=N-heterocyclic carbene) and products obtained in 63-95 % yield, 88:12 to >98:2 S(N)2'/S(N)2 selectivity, and 85:15-99:1 enantiomeric ratio. The utility of the approach, entailing the involvement of different catalytic cross-coupling processes, is highlighted by its application to the formal synthesis of the cytotoxic natural product rhopaloic acid A.
Related Concept Videos
SN2 Reaction: Stereochemistry
If the substrate is an achiral molecule at the α-carbon, the inversion of configuration is not...
Radical Substitution: Allylic Bromination
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...
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.
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.
Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution: Addition–Elimination (SNAr)
The reaction begins with an attack of the nucleophile on the carbon that holds the leaving group. This results in the delocalization of the π electrons over the ring carbons. The resonance interaction between...

