Copper-catalyzed oxidative alkenylation of C(sp3)–H bonds via benzyl or alkyl radical addition to β-nitrostyrenes†
Abstract
A new method for the preparation of (E)-β-alkylstyrene derivatives has been developed via the addition of a benzyl or alkyl radical to β-nitrostyrenes using di-tert-butyl peroxide (DTBP) as the oxidant in the presence of Cu powder catalyst. The C–H bonds in various toluene derivatives, ethers, alkanes and alcohols were successfully converted into C–C bonds to yield the corresponding (E)-β-alkylstyrene derivatives in moderate to good yields.