Cross Coupling of Alkenyl Gold Complexes with Alkyl Electrophiles and Nickel Catalyzed Hydroarylation of Alkenes

Abstract

Transition metal catalysis is a powerful strategy for the construction of organic molecules. The development of novel methods in this field can help improve the speed and efficiency with which we synthesize complex organic molecules and broaden the scope of accessible products. Here we describe the development of two reactions involving transition metals. The first is a cross-coupling reaction between alkenyl gold and alkyl triflates, resulting in the formation of a new C-C bond. While several strategies are known that enable α-selective cross-coupling of alkenyl gold complexes, we are able to achieve -selective cross-coupling by taking advantage of an alternative mode of reactivity. The second reaction described is a nickel catalyzed hydroarylation of alkenes. We are able to achieve good anti-Markovnikov selectivity with a wide range of alkenes, including styrenes, alkyl substituted alkenes, and enol ethers.