Transition metal-catalyzed olefination of alkyl heteroarenes with alcohols

Abstract

Transition metal catalyzed direct olefination of alkyl heteroarenes with alcohols using acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling (ADC) reactions and aerobic oxidative olefination are effective, versatile transformations for the construction of alkenyl heterocyclic compounds. Various transition metal catalysts based on noble metals (Ru) and their earth-abundant equivalents (Mn, Ni, Fe, Co) have been employed for these protocols. Water and hydrogen are the only byproducts and the starting alcohols are less toxic, more readily available, more easily handled and more atom economical than their halogen counterparts. This review details recent advances in these green methodologies, describing scope, reaction mechanisms, chemo-selectivity and applications in synthesis.