A novel photoinduced Fe(OTf)2/2,4,6-collidine-catalyzed
alkylation of Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) acetates using
carboxylic acids in a regio- and stereoselective manner is reported.
This method demonstrates a broad scope, encompassing various carboxylic
acids and MBH acetates, including drugs and bioactive molecules, to
synthesize densely functionalized cinnamates and acrylates. The reactions
are performed in the green solvent dimethyl carbonate under oxidant-free
conditions. Based on control experiments, a plausible mechanism involving
an Fe(II)–Fe(III)–Fe(II) cycle is proposed.