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Updated: Sep 15, 2025

Facile Preparation of 2Z,4E-Dienamides by the Olefination of Electron-deficient Alkenes with Allyl Acetate
Published on: June 21, 2017
Transition-metal-catalyzed alkene-relayed intermolecular C-H activation.
Qiongqiong Zhu1, Ming-Shun Mei1, Xiang Zuo1
1School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China. zhangyanghui@tongji.edu.cn.
Alkene-relayed C-H activation offers a novel approach to C-H functionalization, where alkenes act as both relays and carbon synthons. This dual role significantly expands synthetic possibilities in transition-metal catalysis.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Catalysis
- Synthetic Methodology
Background:
- C-H activation is a cornerstone of modern organic synthesis.
- Alkene-relayed C-H functionalization presents a unique strategy for incorporating alkenes into complex molecules.
- Intermolecular reactions utilizing alkenes as both activators and building blocks are highly sought after.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and categorize alkene-relayed C-H functionalization reactions.
- To provide mechanistic insights into these transformations.
- To highlight current challenges and future research directions in this field.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature survey of alkene-relayed C-H functionalization reactions.
- Categorization based on alkene type, metal catalyst, and reaction class.
- Analysis of mechanistic pathways for key examples.
Main Results:
- A systematic summary of diverse alkene-relayed C-H functionalization reactions.
- Detailed mechanistic explanations for selected transformations.
- Identification of trends and patterns in catalyst and substrate scope.
Conclusions:
- Alkene-relayed C-H activation is a powerful and versatile synthetic strategy.
- The dual role of alkenes as relays and synthons broadens synthetic applications.
- Further research is needed to address current challenges and unlock new possibilities.
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