Stereoselective CrCl2-mediated condensation of aldehydes with functionalized 1,1,1-trichlorides: synthesis of trisubstituted (Z)-chloroolefins

Direct catalytic enantioselective Mannich-type reaction of dichloroacetonitrile using bis(imidazoline)-Pd catalysts

The catalytic enantioselective Mannich-type reaction of dichloroacetonitrile with imines has been developed.

Stereoselective synthesis of (Z)-alpha-halo-alpha,beta-unsaturated esters, and amides from aldehydes and trihaloesters or amides promoted by manganese

Preliminary results of a Mn-promoted sequential process directed toward the stereoselective synthesis of different (Z)-alpha-halo-alpha,beta-unsaturated compounds are described.

Fe(0)-mediated synthesis of tri- and tetra-substituted olefins from carbonyls: an environmentally friendly alternative to Cr(II)

Fe(0) was investigated as a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative to Cr(II) for the olefination of carbonyls by activated polyhalides. In many instances, Fe(0) was equivalent or superior to Cr(II). Notably, Fe(0), but not Cr(II), proved compatible with a wide range of functionality, inter alia, unprotected phenol, aryl nitro, carboxylic acid, and alkyl nitrile. A surprising reversal of stereoselectivity for aldehydes versus ketones was observed using both metals. The resultant alpha-halo-alpha,beta-unsaturated or alpha,beta-unsaturated carboxylic acids, esters, and nitriles are common structural elements in numerous compounds of interest as well as key intermediates in the preparation of other functionality.