A simple method to prepare single isomer tetrasubstituted olefins by successive Suzuki–Miyaura cross-couplings of E-β-chloro-α-iodo-α,β-unsaturated esters

A convenient method of synthesizing tetrasubstituted olefins as single isomers is described. E-β-Chloro-α-iodo-α,β-unsaturated esters are first converted into the corresponding E-β-chloro-α,β-unsaturated esters using Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions with arylboronic acids and alkenylboronic acids. These transformations gave complete selectivity, and proceeded with substitution at the more activated α-iodide position. These compounds, isolated as single isomers, were then transformed into tetrasubstituted olefins by Suzuki–Miyaura couplings with arylboronic acids, alkenylboronic acids, and alkyl boranes to afford the corresponding tetrasubstituted olefins as single isomers. During this coupling process, it was discovered that the use of small ligands, such as PMe₃ or PEt₃, was critical for efficient coupling. The stereochemistry and regiochemistry of the products were unequivocally established using NMR methods.