Chenan

An N,N′-dioxide/zinc bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide complex has been developed as an efficient catalyst for the highly enantioselective Diels–Alder reaction of cyclopentadiene with alkynones. Various 2-acyl substituted norbornadiene derivatives were obtained in moderate to high yields (up to 99 %) with good enantiomeric excesses (up to 95 %).

By exploring a new mode of nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling, a method to directly transform both aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes into either esters or amides has been developed. The success of this oxidative coupling depends on the appropriate choice of catalyst and organic oxidant, including the use of either α,α,α-trifluoroacetophenone or excess aldehyde. Mechanistic data that supports a catalytic cycle involving oxidative addition into the aldehyde CH bond is also presented.

Nickel for a change: By exploring a new mode of nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling, both aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes can be directly transformed into either esters or amides. The success of this oxidative coupling depends on the appropriate choice of catalyst and organic oxidant (α,α,α-trifluoroacetophenone or benzaldehyde). Mechanistic data supports a catalytic cycle involving oxidative addition into the aldehyde CH bond.