A straightforward method for the synthesis of novel derivatives of zerumbone via palladium- and rhodium-catalyzed regio- and diastereoselective 1,4-conjugate addition using boronic acids is developed. The reaction is general for aryl boronic acids containing both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups.
Key words
zerumbone - rhodium - palladium - 1,4-conjugate addition - boronic acids