Synthesis 2018; 50(20): 3974-3996
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1609941
review
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Retaining Alkyl Nucleophile Regiofidelity in Transition-Metal-Mediated Cross-Couplings to Aryl Electrophiles

Matthew O’Neill
,
Josep Cornella*
Department of Organometallic Chemistry, Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, 45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany   Email: cornella@kofo.mpg.de
› Author Affiliations
We would like to thank the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Max-Planck-Institute für Kohlenforschung, and the Fulbright Kommission (M.J.O).
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 11 June 2018

Accepted after revision: 01 August 2018

Publication Date:
10 September 2018 (online)


Abstract

While the advent of transition-metal catalysis has undoubtedly transformed synthetic chemistry, problems persist with the introduction of secondary and tertiary alkyl nucleophiles into C(sp2) aryl electrophiles. Complications arise from the delicate organometallic intermediates typically invoked by such processes, from which competition between the desired reductive elimination event and the deleterious β-H elimination pathways can lead to undesired isomerization of the incoming nucleophile. Several methods have integrated distinct combinations of metal, ligand, nucleophile, and electrophile to provide solutions to this problem. Despite substantial progress, refinements to current protocols will facilitate the realization of complement reactivity and improved functional group tolerance. These issues have become more pronounced in the context of green chemistry and sustainable catalysis, as well as by the current necessity to develop robust, reliable cross-couplings beyond less explored C(sp2)–C(sp2) constructs. Indeed, the methods discussed herein and the elaborations thereof enable an ‘unlocking’ of accessible topologically enriched chemical space, which is envisioned to influence various domains of application.

1 Introduction

2 Mechanistic Considerations

3 Magnesium Nucleophiles

4 Zinc Nucleophiles

5 Boron Nucleophiles

6 Other Nucleophiles

7 Tertiary Nucleophiles

8 Reductive Cross-Coupling with in situ Organometallic Formation

9 Conclusion