Diastereocontrol in asymmetric allyl-allyl cross-coupling: stereocontrolled reaction of prochiral allylboronates with prochiral allyl chlorides

Palladium-catalysed Tsuji-Trost-type vinyl epoxide cross-coupling with umpolung hydrazones

Selective functionalisation of synthetically useful vinyl epoxides via carbon-carbon (C-C) bond formation has been a major challenge for many years due to its unique inherent chemical reactivity. Non-stabilised carbanions in the form of organometallic reagents have been shown to be robust and versatile reagents in C-C bond formation; however, they are employed in superstoichiometric quantities, require the protection of active functional groups, and generate copious amounts of metallic waste. Therefore, the development of mild carbanion sources as simple alternatives is highly desired. In this work, we report a highly chemo- and regioselective palladium-catalysed vinyl epoxide cross-coupling utilising hydrazones as organometallic equivalents (HOME). Hydrazones, generated from carbonyl-containing renewable feedstocks, enable a more sustainable reaction, and provide an alternative to highly reactive and sensitive unstabilized organometallic reagents. A broad substrate scope, with high functional group tolerance, is demonstrated along with the late-stage functionalisation of natural product derivatives.

Switching Selectivity in Borylative Allyl-Allyl Cross-Coupling through Synergistic Catalysis

A Cu/Pd-catalyzed borylative coupling of allenes with allyl carbonates is reported. Synergistic Cu/Pd catalysis enables a divergent selectivity compared to Cu catalysis and allows for the regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselective formation of synthetically versatile chiral borylated 1,5-dienes featuring two adjacent tertiary stereocenters. DFT calculations support a closed inner-sphere SE2' transmetalation between the catalytic allyl copper and allyl palladium intermediates and point at the reductive elimination of the resulting bis(allyl)Pd intermediate as the regio- and diastereo-determining step.

Allyl-Allyl Coupling Promoted by Catalyst Systems with two Palladium Atoms - A Plethora of Potentially Pericyclic Processes

Recently, Huang and co-workers reported a catalytic reaction that utilizes H2 as the sole reductant for a C-C coupling of allyl groups with yields up to 96 %. Here we use computational quantum chemistry to identify several key features of this reaction that provide clarity on how it proceeds. We propose the involvement of a Pd-Pd bound dimer precatalyst, demonstrate the importance of ligand π-π interactions and counterions, and identify a new, energetically viable, mechanism involving two dimerized, outer-sphere reductive elimination transition structures that determine both the rate and selectivity. Although we rule out the previously proposed transmetalation step on energetic grounds, we show it to have an unusual aromatic transition structure in which two Pd atoms support rearranging electrons. The prevalence of potential metal-supported pericyclic reactions in this system suggests that one should consider such processes regularly, but the results of our calculations also indicate that one should do so with caution.

P-Stereogenic Phosphorus Ligands in Asymmetric Catalysis

Chiral phosphorus ligands play a crucial role in asymmetric catalysis for the efficient synthesis of useful optically active compounds. They are largely categorized into two classes: backbone chirality ligands and P-stereogenic phosphorus ligands. Most of the reported ligands belong to the former class. Privileged ones such as BINAP and DuPhos are frequently employed in a wide range of catalytic asymmetric transformations. In contrast, the latter class of P-stereogenic phosphorus ligands has remained a small family for many years mainly because of their synthetic difficulty. The late 1990s saw the emergence of novel P-stereogenic phosphorus ligands with their superior enantioinduction ability in Rh-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation reactions. Since then, numerous P-stereogenic phosphorus ligands have been synthesized and used in catalytic asymmetric reactions. This Review summarizes P-stereogenic phosphorus ligands reported thus far, including their stereochemical and electronic properties that afford high to excellent enantioselectivities. Examples of reactions that use this class of ligands are described together with their applications in the construction of key intermediates for the synthesis of optically active natural products and therapeutic agents. The literature covered dates back to 1968 up until December 2023, centering on studies published in the late 1990s and later years.

DFT Calculations Rationalize Unconventional Regioselectivity in PdII-Catalyzed Defluorinative Alkylation of gem-Difluorocyclopropanes with Hydrazones

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been conducted to gain insight into the unique formation of the branched alkylation product in the PdII-catalyzed defluorinative alkylation of gem-difluorocyclopropanes with hydrazones. The reaction is established to occur in sequence through oxidative addition, β-F elimination, η1-η3 isomerization, transmetalation, η3-η1 isomerization, 3,3'-reductive elimination, deprotonation/N2 extrusion, and proton abstraction. The rate-determining step of the reaction is identified as the β-F elimination, featuring an energy barrier of 28.6 kcal/mol. The 3,3'-reductive elimination transition states are the regioselectivity-determining transition states. The favorable noncovalent π-π interaction between the naphthyl group of gem-difluorocyclopropane and the phenyl group of hydrazone is found to be mainly responsible for the observed regioselectivity.

Palladium-Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Carbonylative Esterification of Allenoic Acids for the Synthesis of γ-Butyrolactone Derivatives

A highly efficient dehydrogenative carbonylative esterification of allenoic acids using Pd-catalysis was developed, providing a novel approach to synthesizing esterified γ-butyrolactone derivatives with consistently good to excellent results demonstrated across over 50 examples. Additionally, we used a heterogeneous catalyst known as Pd-AmP-MCF and harnessed biomimetic-aerobic-oxidation conditions to facilitate the practical execution of this reaction. Furthermore, our detailed study of γ-butyrolactone products highlighted their potential in synthesizing bioactive compounds.

Copper-Catalyzed Enantioselective Borylative Allyl-Allyl Coupling of Allenes and Allylic gem-Dichlorides

A catalytic asymmetric reaction between allenes, bis(pinacolato)diboron, and allylic gem-dichlorides is reported. The method involves the coupling of a catalytically generated allyl copper species with the allylic gem-dichloride and provides chiral internal 1,5-dienes featuring (Z)-configured alkenyl boronate and alkenyl chloride units with high levels of chemo-, regio-, enantio-, and diastereoselectivity. The synthetic utility of the products is demonstrated with the synthesis of a range of optically active compounds. DFT calculations reveal key noncovalent substrate-ligand interactions that account for the enantioselectivity outcome and the diastereoselective formation of the (Z)-alkenyl chloride.

Desymmetrization of Vicinal Bis(boronic) Esters by Enantioselective Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Coupling Reaction

The development of an enantioselective catalytic Suzuki-Miyaura reaction that applies to meso 1,2-diborylcycloalkanes is described. This reaction provides a modular route to enantiomerically enriched substituted carbocycles and heterocycles that retain a synthetically versatile boronic ester. With appropriately constructed substrates, compounds bearing additional stereogenic centers and fully substituted carbon atoms can be generated in a straightforward fashion. Preliminary mechanistic experiments suggest that substrate activation arises from the cooperative effect of vicinal boronic esters during the transmetalation step.

Iridium-Catalyzed Chemo-, Diastereo-, and Enantioselective Allyl-Allyl Coupling: Accessing All Four Stereoisomers of (E)-1-Boryl-Substituted 1,5-Dienes by Chirality Pairing

Here, we report a highly chemo-, diastereo-, and enantioselective allyl-allyl coupling between branched allyl alcohols and α-silyl-substituted allylboronate esters, catalyzed by a chiral iridium complex. The α-silyl-substituted allylboronate esters can be chemoselectively coupled with allyl electrophiles, affording a diverse set of enantioenriched (E)-1-boryl-substituted 1,5-dienes in good yields, with excellent stereoselectivity. By permuting the chiral iridium catalysts and the substrates, we efficiently and selectively obtained all four stereoisomers bearing two consecutive chiral centers. Mechanistic studies via density functional theory calculations revealed the origins of the diastereo- and chemoselectivities, indicating the pivotal roles of the steric interaction, the β-silicon effect, and a rapid desilylation process. Additional synthetic modifications for preparing a variety of enantioenriched compounds containing contiguous chiral centers are also included.

Rh-catalyzed regio-switchable cross-coupling of gem-difluorinated cyclopropanes with allylboronates to structurally diverse fluorinated dienes

The control of linear/branched selectivity is one of the major focuses in transition-metal catalyzed allyl-allyl cross-coupling reactions, in which bond connection occurs at the terminal site of both the allyl fragments forming different types of 1,5-dienes. Herein, terminal/internal regioselectivity is investigated and found to be switchable in allyl-allyl cross-coupling reactions between gem-difluorinated cyclopropanes and allylboronates. The controlled terminal/internal regioselectivity arises from the fine-tuning of the rhodium catalytic system. Fluorinated 1,3-dienes, 1,4-dienes and 1,5-dienes are therefore produced in good yields with respectively isomerized terminal, internal, and terminal regioselectivity.

Pd-Catalyzed umpolung asymmetric allylic alkylation of hydrazones to vicinal tertiary and quaternary chiral carbon centers

Diastereo- and enantioselective construction of vicinal tertiary and quaternary carbon centers is a great challenge in synthetic chemistry. Herein, we report a facile and efficient protocol to construct vicinal tertiary and quaternary chiral carbon centers in high yields with high regio-, diastereo- and enantioselectivities via Pd-catalyzed umpolung asymmetric allylic alkylation of hydrazones with monosubstituted allyl reagents by using Kündig-type chiral N-heterocyclic carbene as the ligand. The control experiments revealed that the reaction proceeds via the inner-sphere mechanism.

Regiocontrolled synthesis of enantioenriched 2-substituted dehydropiperidines by stereospecific allyl-allyl cross-coupling of a chiral allylic boronate

The palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of an optically enriched dehydropiperidinyl boronate with cinnamyl carbonates was optimized to minimize stereochemical erosion. Although the coupling of two unsymmetrical allyl fragments may generate four possible regioisomers, the optimal procedure using (p-CF₃C₆H₄)₃P as the ligand affords linear 2-allylated 3,4-dehydropiperidines exclusively (>98 : 2 rr) with enantiospecificity up to 99%.

The transition metal-catalysed hydroboration reaction

This review covers the development of the transition metal-catalysed hydroboration reaction, from its beginnings in the 1980s to more recent developments including earth-abundant catalysts and an ever-expanding array of substrates.

Ligand-controlled regioselective and chemodivergent defluorinative functionalization of gem-difluorocyclopropanes with simple ketones

Modulating the reaction selectivity is highly attractive and pivotal to the rational design of synthetic regimes. The defluorinative functionalization of gem-difluorocyclopropanes constitutes a promising route to construct β-vinyl fluorine scaffolds, whereas chemo- and regioselective access to α-substitution patterns remains a formidable challenge. Presented herein is a robust Pd/NHC ligand synergistic strategy that could enable the C-F bond functionalization with exclusive α-regioselectivity with simple ketones. The key design adopted enolates as π-conjugated ambident nucleophiles that undergo inner-sphere 3,3'-reductive elimination warranted by the sterically hindered-yet-flexible Pd-PEPPSI complex. The excellent branched mono-defluorinative alkylation was achieved with a sterically highly demanding IHept ligand, while subtly less bulky SIPr acted as a bifunctional ligand that not only facilitated α-selective C(sp3)-F cleavage, but also rendered the newly-formed C(sp2)-F bond as the linchpin for subsequent C-O bond formation. These examples represented an unprecedented ligand-controlled regioselective and chemodivergent approach to various mono-fluorinated terminal alkenes and/or furans from the same readily available starting materials.

Regio- and enantioselective umpolung gem-difluoroallylation of hydrazones via palladium catalysis enabled by N-heterocyclic carbene ligand

The enantioselective construction of C-CF₂R (R: alkyl or fluoroalkyl) bonds has attracted the attention of synthetic chemists because of the importance of chiral fluorinated compounds in life and materials sciences. Catalytic asymmetric fluoroalkylation has mainly been realized under organocatalysis and Lewis acid catalysis, with substrates limited to carbonyl compounds. Few examples using transition-metal catalysis exist, owing to side reactions including decomposition and isomerization of fluoroalkylating reagents. Herein we report umpolung asymmetric difluoroallylation of hydrazones with 3-bromo-3,3-difluoropropene (BDFP) under palladium catalysis. Difluoroallylation products having quaternary chiral carbon centers are afforded in good yields with high α/γ- and enantioselectivities. The usefulness of the reaction products is demonstrated and an inner-sphere mechanism of the reaction is proposed. The use of chiral N-heterocyclic carbene as ligand is the key for the selectivities as well as the productivity of the reaction.

Enantioselective Reductive Homocoupling of Allylic Acetates Enabled by Dual Photoredox/Palladium Catalysis: Access to C2-Symmetrical 1,5-Dienes

Transition-metal-catalyzed reductive coupling reactions have emerged as powerful protocols to construct C-C bonds. However, the development of enantioselective C(sp³)-C(sp³) reductive coupling remains challenging. Herein, we report a highly regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselective reductive homocoupling of allylic acetates through cooperative palladium and photoredox catalysis using diisopropylethylamine or Hantzsch ester as a homogeneous organic reductant. This straightforward protocol enables the stereoselective construction of C(sp³)-C(sp³) bonds under mild reaction conditions. A series of C₂-symmetrical chiral 1,5-dienes were easily prepared with excellent enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee), diastereoselectivities (up to >95:5 dr), and regioselectivities (up to >95:5 rr). The resultant chiral 1,5-dienes can be directly used as chiral ligands in asymmetric synthesis, and they can be also transformed into other valuable chiral ligands.

Recent Advances in Enantioselective Pd-Catalyzed Allylic Substitution: From Design to Applications

This Review compiles the evolution, mechanistic understanding, and more recent advances in enantioselective Pd-catalyzed allylic substitution and decarboxylative and oxidative allylic substitutions. For each reaction, the catalytic data, as well as examples of their application to the synthesis of more complex molecules, are collected. Sections in which we discuss key mechanistic aspects for high selectivity and a comparison with other metals (with advantages and disadvantages) are also included. For Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution, the catalytic data are grouped according to the type of nucleophile employed. Because of the prominent position of the use of stabilized carbon nucleophiles and heteronucleophiles, many chiral ligands have been developed. To better compare the results, they are presented grouped by ligand types. Pd-catalyzed asymmetric decarboxylative reactions are mainly promoted by PHOX or Trost ligands, which justifies organizing this section in chronological order. For asymmetric oxidative allylic substitution the results are grouped according to the type of nucleophile used.

Palladium-Catalyzed Allyl-Allyl Reductive Coupling of Allylamines or Allylic Alcohols with H2 as Sole Reductant

Catalytic carbon-carbon bond formation building on reductive coupling is a powerful method for the preparation of organic compounds. The identification of environmentally benign reductants is key for establishing an efficient reductive coupling reaction. Herein an efficient strategy enabling H₂ as the sole reductant for the palladium-catalyzed allyl-allyl reductive coupling reaction is described. A wide range of allylamines and allylic alcohols as well as allylic ethers proceed smoothly to deliver the C-C coupling products under 1 atm of H₂. Kinetic studies suggested that the dinuclear palladium species was involved in the catalytic cycle.

Catalytic three-component C-C bond forming dearomatization of bromoarenes with malonates and diazo compounds

A Pd-catalyzed dearomative three-component C-C bond formation of bromoarenes with diazo compounds and malonates was developed. Various bromoarenes ranging from benzenoids to azines and heteroles were transformed to the corresponding substituted alicyclic molecules. The key to this reaction is the generation of a benzyl-palladium intermediate, which reacts with malonates to form a Pd-O-enolate species. Strikingly, the present method enabled rapid access to multi-substituted alicycles through subsequent elaboration of dearomatized products.

Synthesis, biological evaluation and docking studies of a novel class of sulfur-bridged diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes

A small library of 3-thia-7,9-diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes was synthesized and their opioid receptors affinity and selectivity evaluated. Among these novel sulfur-bridged compounds, the (E) 9-[3'-(3-chlorophenyl)-but-2'-en-1'-yl]-7-propionyl-3-thia-7,9-diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane 2i emerged as the derivative with the highest μ receptor affinity (K_i = 85 nM) and selectivity (K_i μ/δ = 58.8, K_i μ/κ > 117.6). The antinociceptive activity of 2i was also evaluated in acute thermal pain. Docking studies disclosed the specific pattern of interactions of these derivatives.

Nickel-Catalyzed Homo- and Cross-Coupling of Allyl Alcohols via Allyl Boronates

A nickel-catalyzed homo- and cross-coupling of allylic alcohols to 1,5-dienes in the presence of B₂pin₂ with excellent regioselectivity has been developed. Mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction proceeds via sequential nickel-catalyzed borylation of allyl alcohols followed by cross-coupling of the resulting allyl boronates with allyl alcohols. The method was effectively applied to nickel-catalyzed allylation of aldehydes using allylic alcohols directly.

Methylerythritol Phosphate Pathway: Enzymatic Evidence for a Rotation in the LytB/IspH-Catalyzed Reaction

IspH/LytB, an oxygen-sensitive [4Fe-4S] enzyme, catalyzes the last step of the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway, a target for the development of new antimicrobial agents. This metalloenzyme converts (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl diphosphate (HMBPP) into the two isoprenoid precursors: isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP). Here, the synthesis of (S)-[4-² H₁ ]HMBPP and (R)-[4-² H₁ ]HMBPP is reported together with a detailed NMR analysis of the products formed after their respective incubation with E. coli IspH/LytB in the presence of the biological reduction system used by E. coli to reduce the [4Fe-4S] center. (S)-[4-² H₁ ]HMBPP was converted into [4-² H₁ ]DMAPP and (E)-[4-² H₁ ]IPP, whereas (R)-[4-² H₁ ]HMBPP yielded [4-² H₁ ]DMAPP and (Z)-[4-² H₁ ]IPP, hence providing the direct enzymatic evidence that the mechanism catalyzed by IspH/LytB involves a rotation of the CH₂ OH group of the substrate to display it away from the [4Fe-4S].

Nickel-catalyzed allyl–allyl coupling reactions between 1,3-dienes and allylboronates

A nickel-hydride catalysis has been developed to facilitate the allyl–allyl cross-coupling reactions between 1,3-dienes and allyl-B(pin) in excellent regioselectivity.

A regioselectivity switch in Pd-catalyzed hydroallylation of alkynes

By exploiting the reactivity of a vinyl-Pd species, we control the regioselectivity in hydroallylation of alkynes under Pd-hydride catalysis. A monophosphine ligand and carboxylic acid combination promotes 1,5-dienes through a pathway involving isomerization of alkynes to allenes. In contrast, a bisphosphine ligand and copper cocatalyst favor 1,4-dienes via a mechanism that involves transmetalation. Our study highlights how to access different isomers by diverting a common organometallic intermediate.

Enantioselective and site-specific copper-catalyzed reductive allyl-allyl cross-coupling of allenes

A copper-catalyzed asymmetric reductive allyl-allyl cross-coupling reaction of allenes with allylic phosphates wherein allenes were used as allylmetal surrogates has been achieved for the first time. This protocol provides an efficient and straightforward route to optically active 1,5-dienes in a highly enantioselective and site-specific fashion. Furthermore, all-carbon quaternary stereogenic centers could also be constructed with this protocol. The versatility of the products is demonstrated through a diverse array of further transformations of the enantioenriched 1,5-dienes.

Iridium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylic Substitution Reactions

In this review, we summarize the origin and advancements of iridium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution reactions during the past two decades. Since the first report in 1997, Ir-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution reactions have attracted intense attention due to their exceptionally high regio- and enantioselectivities. Ir-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution reactions have been significantly developed in recent years in many respects, including ligand development, mechanistic understanding, substrate scope, and application in the synthesis of complex functional molecules. In this review, an explicit outline of ligands, mechanism, scope of nucleophiles, and applications is presented.

Asymmetric Syntheses of Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids (-)-Crinane and (+)-4a-Dehydroxycrinamabine

A palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allyl-allyl cross-coupling reaction to construct the chiral quaternary carbon center of crinane alkaloids has been developed. On the basis of an efficient approach, the enantioselective synthesis of (-)-crinane (1) is presented, and the first asymmetric total synthesis of (+)-4a-dehydroxycrinamabine (2) was achieved by subsequent oxidation, 1,4-conjugate addition, RCM reaction, reductive amination, and Pictet-Spengler reaction. The method provided an alternative strategy for the syntheses of crinane alkaloids and other Amaryllidaceae natural products.

Isomerization of N-Allyl Amides To Form Geometrically Defined Di-, Tri-, and Tetrasubstituted Enamides

Enamides represent bioactive pharmacophores in various natural products, and have become increasingly common reagents for asymmetric incorporation of nitrogen functionality. Yet the synthesis of the requisite geometrically defined enamides remains problematic, especially for highly substituted and Z-enamides. Herein we wish to report a general atom economic method for the isomerization of a broad range of N-allyl amides to form Z-di-, tri-, and tetrasubstituted enamides with exceptional geometric selectivity. This report represents the first examples of a catalytic isomerization of N-allyl amides to form nonpropenyl disubstituted, tri- and tetrasubstituted enamides with excellent geometric control. Applications of these geometrically defined enamides toward the synthesis of cis vicinal amino alcohols and tetrasubstituted α-borylamido complexes are discussed.

Catalytic, Enantioselective, Intramolecular Sulfenofunctionalization of Alkenes with Phenols

The catalytic, enantioselective, cyclization of phenols with electrophilic sulfenophthalimides onto isolated or conjugated alkenes affords 2,3-disubstituted benzopyrans and benzoxepins. The reaction is catalyzed by a BINAM-based phosphoramide Lewis base catalyst which assists in the highly enantioselective formation of a thiiranium ion intermediate. The influence of nucleophile electron density, alkene substitution pattern, tether length and Lewis base functional groups on the rate, enantio- and site-selectivity for the cyclization is investigated. The reaction is not affected by the presence of substituents on the phenol ring. In contrast, substitutions around the alkene strongly affect the reaction outcome. Sequential lengthening of the tether results in decreased reactivity, which necessitated increased temperatures for reaction to occur. Sterically bulky aryl groups on the sulfenyl moiety prevented erosion of enantiomeric composition at these elevated temperatures. Alcohols and carboxylic acids preferentially captured thiiranium ions in competition with phenolic hydroxyl groups. An improved method for the selective C(2) allylation of phenols is also described.

Copper-catalyzed hydroallylation of allenes employing hydrosilanes and allyl chlorides

The hydroallylation of allenes was developed by employing a hydrosilane and allyl chlorides in the presence of a copper catalyst.

Bismuth-catalyzed allylation of para-quinone methides

An efficient 1,6-allylation addition of para-quinone methides with allylboronic acid pinacol ester was developed with 0.5–5 mol% bismuth(iii) triflate.

Cyclobutenes: At a Crossroad between Diastereoselective Syntheses of Dienes and Unique Palladium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylic Substitutions

The rich chemistry of cyclobutanes is underpinned by a large body of synthetic literature devoted to their synthesis and decoration. This is motivated by the widespread representation of cyclobutane moieties in biologically active natural products and man-made molecules. Surprisingly, this vast array of knowledge finds no parallel in the chemistry of cyclobutenes, their unsaturated analogues. In particular, a dearth of methods to synthesize enantioenriched cyclobutenes is apparent upon cursory investigation of the literature. As a leading example, the photocycloaddition of maleic anhydride to acetylene or dichloroethylene, probably a benchmark of cyclobutene synthesis, delivers a meso cyclic anhydride which can be further converted to a cyclobutene product by enantioselective desymmetrization by ring opening. Nonetheless, such an approach delivers products with a rather inflexible substitution pattern around the four-membered ring. The lack of general approaches has motivated our group and others to develop novel routes to cyclobutene scaffolds, leading to the development of a strategy that combines photochemistry and catalysis. Indeed, we have coupled the simple and efficient photochemical isomerization of 2-pyrone into a strained bicyclo[2.2.0] lactone with palladium-catalyzed allylic alkylation as a simple and versatile access to functionalized cyclobutenes. Several nucleophiles can be added to the activated, strained intermediate, including malonate anions and azlactones. The products are mono- and bicyclic building blocks richly decorated with functional groups. Importantly, they are formed with high levels of diastereoselectivity as expected by the tenets of palladium-catalyzed allylic alkylation, which posit that the oxidative addition and nucleophilic capture steps proceed with inversion of configuration, resulting in overall retention (inversion + inversion). However, the transposition of the methodology to an asymmetric version subsequently led to the surprising discovery of a family of highly enantioselective, diastereodivergent catalytic processes. Indeed, we observed a ligand-dependent stereochemical outcome for a range of palladium-catalyzed allylic alkylations affording either overall retention or overall inversion of configuration, and that with very high levels of enantio- and diastereoselectivity. The new family of diastereodivergent reactions enables the conversion of the aforementioned racemic bicyclo[2.2.0] lactone into each of 4 stereoisomeric products, at will. Although the mechanistic details at the origin of this unusual stereodivergence are not yet fully elucidated, it became clear through our studies that unique Pd-allyl complexes, residing preferentially as their σ-(monohapto)-bound isomers, are at the heart of the process. The cyclobutenes prepared can also engage in electrocyclic ring-opening reactions (often spontaneous depending on the substitution pattern) that link this chemistry with that of diene and polyene frameworks. Using the strategies laid out above, our group was then able to harness the high stereospecificity of electrocyclic reactions and design modular syntheses of several natural products and natural product fragments. We believe that the methods presented herein shall soon pave the way for the streamlined synthesis of more complex polyenic natural products.