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Updated: Jul 1, 2026
Controlled Photoredox Ring-Opening Polymerization of O-Carboxyanhydrides Mediated by Ni/Zn Complexes
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Nickel-Catalyzed 1,2-Arylalkenylation of Unactivated Alkenes Enabled by a Native Hydroxy Group
Dongping Wang1, Guozhi Zhao1, Yanke He1
1Henan Linker Technology Key Laboratory, College of Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Transition-metal-catalyzed dicarbofunctionalization of alkenes represents a powerful strategy for building molecular complexity in a single step. Here we report an unprecedented nickel-catalyzed 1,2-arylalkenylation of unactivated alkenyl alcohols using alkenyl boronates and aryl iodides. This method uniquely leverages the native hydroxyl group as an intrinsic directing handle, eliminating the need for pre-installed auxiliaries and streamlining the synthesis of structurally diverse alkenol derivatives. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions with broad functional group tolerance and excellent regioselectivity, enabling efficient construction of valuable building blocks. Mechanistic studies, supported by DFT calculations, reveal a Ni(0)/Ni(I)/Ni(II) catalytic cycle probably involving aryl radical intermediates. By exploiting alcohols as directing groups, this work expands the scope of alkene dicarbofunctionalization and provides a versatile platform for late-stage functionalization relevant to pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials development.
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The metal catalyst used can be either heterogeneous or homogeneous. When hydrogenation of an alkene generates a chiral center, a pair of enantiomeric products is expected to form. However, an enantiomeric excess of one of the products can be facilitated using an enantioselective reaction or an...
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One of the convenient methods for the preparation of aldehydes and ketones is via hydration of alkynes. Hydroboration-oxidation of alkynes is an indirect hydration reaction in which an alkyne is treated with borane followed by oxidation with alkaline peroxide to form an enol that rapidly converts into an aldehyde or a ketone. Terminal alkynes form aldehydes, whereas internal alkynes give ketones as the final product.
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