Ligand‐Promoted Reactivity of Alkenes in Dehydrogenative Heck Reactions of Furans and Thiophenes

Abstract

Abstract 4,5‐Diazafluorenone was found to promote the dehydrogenative Heck reaction of furans and thiophenes with hindered alkenes. High stereoselectivity was achieved in the synthesis of β,β‐diaryl α,β‐unsaturated alkenes. A mechanism, based on ESI‐MS studies, kinetic experiments, and competitive reactions, was proposed. The ligand influences C–H bond activation, insertion of the alkenes, the stereodetermining step, and the aerobic regeneration of the catalyst.