Regio- and Stereoselective Copper-Catalyzed Allylation of 1,3-Dicarbonyl Compounds with Terminal Allenes

Simple ligand-free copper systems were found as efficient catalysts for the addition of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds to N-allenyl derivatives. This highly regio- and stereoselective reaction has been accomplished in the presence of malonates, 1,3-ketoesters, and 1,3-diketones with good to excellent yields under mild conditions. This methodology represents the first allylation of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with allenes catalyzed by copper.

Palladium-catalyzed addition of alcohol pronucleophiles to alkylidenecyclopropanes

Palladium-catalyzed addition of alcohol pronucleophiles 1 to alkylidenecyclopropane derivatives 2 afforded the corresponding allylic ethers 3 in excellent to moderate yields. Catalyst optimization indicated the Pd(PPh3)4-P(o-tolyl)3 combination as the best system among all catalysts tested. Intramolecular reaction also proceeded smoothly. A plausible mechanism for this catalytic reaction was proposed.