A copper(I)-catalysed asymmetric allylic reduction enables a regio- and stereoselective transfer of a hydride nucleophile in an SN2′-fashion onto allylic bromides. This transformation represents a conceptually orthogonal approach to allylic substitution reactions with carbon nucleophiles. A copper(I) complex based upon a chiral N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand allows for stereoselectivity reaching 99% ee. The catalyst enables a stereoconvergent reaction irrespective of the double bond configuration of the starting materials.

Highly Z-selective alkyne transfer semihydrogenations and conjugate transfer hydrogenations of enoates can be effected by employing a readily available and air-stable copper(I)/N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complex, [IPrCuOH]. As an easy to handle and potentially recyclable H2 source, ammonia borane (H3NBH3) is used.

A stereoselective hydrogenation of 1,3-diynes with an air-stable copper(I)/N-heterocyclic carbene complex, [IPrCuOH], has been developed. The corresponding products, 1,3-dienes, are obtained in a stereoselective manner depending on their substitution pattern: Diaryl-diynes yield E,E-1,3-dienes, whereas dialkyl-diynes are converted to the corresponding Z,Z-1,3-dienes. Hydrogenation and deuteration experiments with enynes indicate that these are competent reaction intermediates in the hydrogenation of diynes.Download high-res image (69KB)Download full-size image

An easily accessible copper(I)/N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complex enables a regioselective hydride transfer to allylic bromides, an allylic reduction. The resulting aryl- and alkyl-substituted branched α-olefins, which are valuable building blocks for synthesis, are obtained in good yields and regioselectivity. A commercially available silane, (TMSO)2Si(Me)H, is employed as hydride source. This protocol offers a unified alternative to the established metal-catalyzed allylic substitutions with carbon nucleophiles, as no adaption of the catalyst to the nature of the nucleophile is required.

An air-stable and preactivated copper(I) hydroxide/N-heteroyclic carbene (NHC) complex for alkyne semihydrogenations is reported. Next to an enhanced practicability of the process, the resulting alkenes are obtained with high Z-selectivities and no overreduction to the corresponding alkanes.

Highly Z-selective alkyne transfer semihydrogenations and conjugate transfer hydrogenations of enoates can be effected by employing a readily available and air-stable copper(I)/N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complex, [IPrCuOH]. As an easy to handle and potentially recyclable H2 source, ammonia borane (H3NBH3) is used.