Reductive Olefin Bicyclo[1.1.0]butane Coupling Enabled by Iron Hydride Hydrogen Atom Transfer

Abstract

Here, we present the reductive olefin bicyclo[1.1.0]butane coupling method enabled by iron hydride hydrogen atom transfer. Thus, readily available olefins can serve as competent C(sp 3 )-centered radical precursors, reacting with bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes under an ambient atmosphere to deliver valuable alkylated cyclobutanes. More than 40 examples are presented with a wide range of substrates, demonstrating the mildness of this operationally simple protocol. Most importantly, this method allows the rapid synthesis of cyclobutane analogues for bioactive compounds that would otherwise be difficult to access.