Authors: Jørn H. Hansen, Brendan T. Parr, Dr. Philip Pelphrey, Dr. Quihui Jin, Dr. Jochen Autschbach, Prof. Huw M. L. Davies
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.,
2011, 50, 11, 2544-2548
Nothing left to chance: A convenient protocol for selective cross-coupling of diazo compounds for the convergent synthesis of alkenes was developed (see scheme; EDG=aryl, heteroaryl, vinyl; R=O-alkyl, aryl). The selectivity control elements were identified by ReactIR and DFT calculations and provide a framework for the design of viable diazo coupling reactions.