Formal allylic C(sp3)–H alkylation of α-alkylstyrenes by rearrangement of intermediate alkenyl sulfonium salts

Abstract

Metal-free allylic C(sp³)–H alkylation of α-alkylstyryl sulfonium salts based on [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement strategies has been developed. This operationally simple protocol enables allylic C(sp³)–H alkylation of a wide range of α-alkylstyryl sulfonium salts. Notably, this method could allow facile access to allylated carbon quaternary centers in moderate to good yields. The one-pot procedure, product derivatization and late-stage functionalization all show the potential practicality of this protocol in organic synthesis.