Base Metal-Catalyzed Direct Olefinations of Alcohols with Sulfones

Abstract

Herein, a base-metal nickel-catalyzed direct olefination of alcohols with sulfones is reported. The reaction operates under low catalyst loading and does not require an external redox reagent. A wide range of <i>trans</i>-stilbenes and styrenes were synthesized in good yields and selectivities. Biologically active stilbene <b>DMU-212</b> could also be synthesized in a single step under these conditions. Mechanistic studies involving kinetic isotope effect, deuterium labeling experiments, and catalytic and stoichiometric reactions with possible catalytic intermediates were performed to elucidate a plausible mechanism.