Asymmetric Ni(II)/Cr(II)-Mediated Coupling Reaction:  Catalytic Process

Abstract

[reaction: see text] The stable, crystalline Cr(III)/sulfonamide complex 1a is shown to be an effective catalyst for the Ni/Cr-mediated coupling reaction. A possible mechanism is suggested for the process. 1a is also effective for other Cr-mediated coupling reactions. With this catalyst, a concise and efficient synthesis of the C14-C26 segment of halichondrins has been developed.