A Practical Solution to Stereodefined Tetrasubstituted Olefins

Olefins, compounds with a carbon–carbon double bond, are of fundamental importance, and stereodefined construction of tetrasubstituted carbon–carbon double bond is a significant challenge. Here we show a unique and practical method for the preparation of stereodefined, fully substituted olefins via conjugate addition of organozinc reagents to readily available 2,3-allenals. Through mechanistic studies, it is confirmed that the geometry of the newly formed double bond is controlled by unique regiospecific oxygen-protonation of the enolate intermediates, generating 1,3-alkadienols. Such alkadienols would undergo a concerted 1,5-H-transfer reaction via a six-membered transition state to ensure the configuration of the carbon–carbon double bond in the final products. Using the readily available organozinc reagents and 2,3-allenals provides a very rapid access to a wide range of tetrasubstituted olefins with defined stereochemistry, bearing an extremely versatile aldehyde functionality.