Tianning Diao, New York University
Stereoselective Alkene Carbofunctionalizationvia Radical Pathways
Host: Prof. Milsmann
Department of Chemistry
New York University
While asymmetric hydrogenation of alkenes represents the most important catalytic method to introduce chiral centers, stereoselective carbofunctionalization has been restricted to a handful of examples with limited scope. We develop stereoselective 1,2-dicarbofunctionalization and hydrofunctionalization reactions of alkenes to access molecules with intricate substitution patterns while introducing stereocenters. The new methods can be readily applied to prepare molecules with important bio- activity, such as α,α,β-triarylated ethane scaffolds. Mechanistic studies, including kinetic studies and isolation of reaction intermediates, reveal that Ni catalysts initiate radical formation and lead to unconventional enantio-determining steps.