Controllable, Sequential, and Stereoselective C-H Allylic Alkylation of Alkenes

The direct conversion of C-H bonds into new C-C bonds represents a powerful approach to generate complex molecules from simple starting materials. However, a general and controllable method for the sequential conversion of a methyl group into a fully substituted carbon center remains a challenge. We report a new method for the selective and sequential replacement of three C-H bonds at the allylic position of propylene and other simple terminal alkenes with different carbon groups derived from Grignard reagents. A copper catalyst and electron-rich biaryl phosphine ligand facilitate the formation of allylic alkylation products in high branch selectivity. We also present conditions for the generation of enantioenriched allylic alkylation products in the presence of catalytic copper and a chiral phosphine ligand. With this approach, diverse and complex products with substituted carbon centers can be generated from simple and abundant feedstock chemicals.