A Catalytic Cross-Olefination of Diazo Compounds with Sulfoxonium Ylides

Abstract

A ruthenium-catalysed cross-olefination of diazo compounds and sulfoxonium ylides is presented. Our reaction design exploits the intrinsic difference in reactivity of diazo compounds and sulfoxonium ylides as both carbene precursors and nucleophiles, which results in a highly selective reaction.

Keywords: cross-olefination; diazo compounds; homogenous catalysis; ruthenium; sulfur ylides.