Iron/phosphine-catalyzed reductive cross-coupling to construct quaternary carbon centers

Transition metal-catalyzed C-C reductive coupling reactions avoid the direct use of sensitive metal reagents, representing a practical approach for constructing the skeletons of organic compounds. However, such reactions face significant challenges in constructing quaternary carbon centers. Herein, we report an example of iron-catalyzed reductive cross-coupling reaction of tertiary alkyl halides with allyl halides by using phosphine ligands. A directing strategy is developed for diverse reductive couplings of 3^o C(sp³) with 1^o C(sp³) and even 2^o C(sp³). The directing effect of the carbonyl of amides and esters facilitates the iron catalyst in overcoming the substantial steric hindrance and numerous competing side reactions, allowing the reaction to proceed smoothly. The current study develops a directing strategy for highly steric reductive coupling reactions, and offers new insights into the efficient construction of complex C(sp³)-C(sp³) bonds using iron catalysts modified with phosphine ligands.