Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 23, 2026

Facile Preparation of 2Z,4E-Dienamides by the Olefination of Electron-deficient Alkenes with Allyl Acetate
Published on: June 21, 2017
Reductive Coupling of Acrylates with Ketones and Ketimines by a Nickel-Catalyzed Transfer-Hydrogenative Strategy
Craig S Buxton1, David C Blakemore2, John F Bower1
1School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK.
Abstract:
Nickel-catalyzed coupling of benzyl acrylates with activated ketones and imines provides γ-butyrolactones and lactams, respectively. The benzyl alcohol byproduct released during the lactonization/lactamization event is relayed to the next cycle where it serves as the reductant for C-C bond formation. This strategy represents a conceptually unique approach to transfer-hydrogenative C-C bond formation, thus providing examples of reductive heterocyclizations where hydrogen embedded within an alcohol leaving group facilitates turnover.
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