Zhifeng Mao
The first Pd(II)-catalyzed vinylogous hydrocarbofunctionalization of unactivated alkenes with methyl coumarins is developed. A cleavable bidentate directing group is used to control the regioselectivity. A wide range of unactivated alkenes and methyl coumarins are viable reaction partners, providing densely functionalized coumarin derivatives generally in good yields. Moreover, a Pd(II)-catalyzed vinylogous dicarbofunctionalization of unactivated alkenes with methyl coumarins and electrophiles is also reported.