Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Versatile CO2 Transformations into Complex Products: A One-pot Two-step Strategy
Published on: November 9, 2019
Piecewise Stereoselective Assembly of Multisubstituted Alkenes
Eli Jones1, Robert T Martin1, David W C MacMillan1
1Merck Center for Catalysis at Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States.
This study introduces a new nickel-catalyzed method for synthesizing multisubstituted alkenes directly from alcohols and alkenyl bromides. This approach simplifies alkene synthesis and provides access to valuable stereodefined intermediates.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Catalysis
- Synthetic Methodology
Background:
- Multisubstituted alkenes are crucial in organic synthesis but challenging to create stereoselectively.
- Alkenyl bromides are useful but coupling them with alkyl radicals from alcohols is difficult.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a direct, modular method for synthesizing multisubstituted alkenes.
- To create stereodefined alkenyl bromides for complex molecule synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Nickel metallaphotoredox-deoxygenative cross-coupling of alkenyl bromides with alcohols.
- Stereoselective bromoalkenylation of gem-dibromoolefins using a phthalimide additive.
Main Results:
- Over 30 multisubstituted alkenes synthesized via direct alcohol coupling.
- Over 40 stereodefined alkenyl bromides accessed through selective bromoalkenylation.
- Demonstrated utility in iterative cross-coupling and total synthesis of (+)-sponalisolide B.
Conclusions:
- The developed methods offer a modular and stereoselective approach to multisubstituted alkenes.
- Provides efficient access to valuable alkenyl bromide intermediates.
- Enables complex molecule construction through sequential coupling strategies.
More Related Videos
06:46Facile Preparation of (2Z,4E)-Dienamides by the Olefination of Electron-deficient Alkenes with Allyl Acetate
Published on: June 21, 2017
09:35Preparation of a Corannulene-functionalized Hexahelicene by Copper(I)-catalyzed Alkyne-azide Cycloaddition of Nonplanar Polyaromatic Units
Published on: September 18, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Regioselectivity of Electrophilic Additions to Alkenes: Markovnikov's Rule
The hydrohalogenation of an unsymmetrical alkene can yield two haloalkane products, depending on which vinylic carbon takes up the halogen. However, one product usually predominates, where hydrogen adds to the vinylic carbon bearing the...
Diels–Alder Reaction Forming Cyclic Products: Stereochemistry
Regioselectivity and Stereochemistry of Acid-Catalyzed Hydration
Regioselectivity of Electrophilic Additions-Peroxide Effect
Radical Anti-Markovnikov Addition to Alkenes: Overview
E2 Reaction: Stereochemistry and Regiochemistry
When a substrate with two different β hydrogens undergoes an E2 elimination, the presence of a strong base can yield two regioisomeric alkenes. The more-substituted alkene is the major product and...