Synthesis of beta,gamma-unsaturated acids from allenes and carbon dioxide.
Hidden talent: Often perceived to be too thermodynamically and kinetically inert to be a useful chemical feedstock, carbon dioxide adds to allenes under exceptionally mild reductive conditions in the presence of a palladium pincer complex to give beta,gamma-unsaturated carboxylic acids (see scheme). This transformation is discussed in the context of the requirements for CO(2) fixation. DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide, Tf = trifluoromethanesulfonyl.
North
Michael
M
School of Chemistry, Bedson Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK. michael.north@ncl.ac.uk