Transition metal-catalyzed redox-neutral 1,3-dienylation of propargylic esters and divergent synthesis

Abstract

1,3-Dienes are important scaffolds, extensively existing in natural products and bioactive molecules. They are also valuable building blocks in organic chemistry and materials chemistry. Recently, transition metal-catalyzed transformations of propargylic esters have been widely explored, showing the versatility and significance of propargylic esters. Compared to well-developed propargylation, allenylation and alkenylation, 1,3-dienylation is rarely established. The precise control of the formation of metalacyclobutene species and subsequent protonation/β-H elimination is the key point. This review highlights recent advances in the transition metal-catalyzed redox-neutral 1,3-dienylation of propargylic esters.