An unusual methylcyclopropanation from [2 + 1] cycloadditions of vinyl bromides to norbornenes catalyzed by Pd(OAc)2/PPh3 in the presence of CH3ONa and CH3OH has been established. A methylcyclopropane subunit was installed by a 3-fold domino procedure involving a key protonation course. Preliminary deuterium-labeling studies revealed that the proton came from methyl of CH3OH and also exposed an additional hydrogen/deuterium exchange process. These two proton-concerned reactions were fully chemoselective.

A CuI promoted radical addition/cyclization of azobisisobutyronitrile with alkenes was developed. The reaction provided a facile pathway for synthesis of 3-(2′-cyano alkyl) oxindoles. The cyano group is versatile for facile conversion into a diverse class of functionalities.

An iron catalyzed tandem oxidative addition/cyclization of amides with activated alkenes under mild conditions has been developed. The reaction provided a new amides derivation procedure and a synthetic methodology for 3-amido oxindoles.

A novel and highly efficient Pd(0)-catalyzed domino reaction to prepare cyclopropane derivatives has been established. The process involves a Heck-type coupling reaction and a C(sp3)–H bond activation. Preliminary DFT calculations suggest that a four-membered palladacycle intermediate is involved.

The first Pd-catalyzed intermolecular [2+1+1] annulation reaction of (Z)-bromostyrene derivatives and norbornenes has been realized. Bismethylenecyclobutane derivatives were obtained with high yields. The domino coupling reaction involves a double Heck-type coupling process, twofold C(sp2)–H bond activation and formation of three carbon–carbon bonds.

Highly strained methylenecyclopropane derivatives have been achieved via a novel and efficient Pd(0)-catalyzed domino reaction. The formal [2 + 1] cycloaddition reaction of vinyl bromides to norbornenes involves a Heck-type coupling and a C(sp2)–H bond activation.

A novel and highly efficient Pd(0)-catalyzed domino reaction to prepare cyclopropane derivatives has been established. The process involves a Heck-type coupling reaction and a C(sp3)–H bond activation. Preliminary DFT calculations suggest that a four-membered palladacycle intermediate is involved.

The first Pd-catalyzed intermolecular [2+1+1] annulation reaction of (Z)-bromostyrene derivatives and norbornenes has been realized. Bismethylenecyclobutane derivatives were obtained with high yields. The domino coupling reaction involves a double Heck-type coupling process, twofold C(sp2)–H bond activation and formation of three carbon–carbon bonds.