Direct β-Alkenylation of Ketones via Pd-Catalyzed Redox Cascade.

A direct β-alkenylation of simple ketones with alkenyl bromides is reported via a Pd-catalyzed redox cascade strategy. The reaction is redox neutral and directing-group-free, in the absence of strong acids or bases. Both cyclic and linear ketones are suitable substrates, and various alkenyl bromides can be coupled. The resulting β-alkenyl ketones are readily derivatized through diverse alkene functionalization.