Regio- and Stereoselective Ruthenium-Catalyzed Hydrovinylation of 1,3-Dienes: Application to the Generation of a 20(<i>S</i>) Steroidal Side Chain

Abstract

The addition of ethylene to 1,3-dienes and 1-vinylcycloalkenes, catalyzed by two ruthenium complexes, proceeds in a regioselective fashion to afford 3-methyl-1,4-dienes as products. For a steroidal-based 1-vinylcycloalkene, the addition is stereospecific, giving a product with a 20(S) configuration. [reaction: see text]