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Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Facile Preparation of 2Z,4E-Dienamides by the Olefination of Electron-deficient Alkenes with Allyl Acetate
Published on: June 21, 2017
Formal Allylic C(sp3)-H Bond Activation of Alkenes Triggered by a Sodium Amide
Wei Bao1, Hanno Kossen1, Uwe Schneider1
1EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, The University of Edinburgh , The King's Buildings, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, U.K.
Abstract:
The catalytic use of a sodium amide has been exploited for formal allylic C(sp3)-H bond activation of alkenes under mild conditions. Subsequent C-C bond formations with imines have proceeded in high yields with complete regioselectivity and excellent geometric selectivity. Aromatic cyano, chloro, and bromo functionalities are tolerated by the transition metal-free catalyst. Complex amines bearing a C═C double bond and distinct heteroaromatic units have been prepared in a single step. The critical importance of sodium versus other s-, p-, d-, and f-block metals as well as metal-free systems has been revealed. In addition, two catalytically active sodium-based intermediates were detected by NMR and HRMS analyses.
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