Radical-Mediated Heck-Type Alkylation: Stereoconvergent Synthesis of Functionalized Polyenes.

The stereospecific synthesis of polyenes is of great synthetic value. Disclosed herein is a new, efficient, stereoconvergent approach for the synthesis of functionalized polyenes via a radical-mediated Heck-type alkylation. The easily accessed Z- and E-mixed alkenes are harnessed as starting material, leading to a unique stereoisomer of polyenes. In addition, the transformation features mild reaction conditions and broad functional group compatibility. A variety of valuable 1,3-dienes and 1,3,5-trienes are afforded in useful yields.