A new strategy for
the functionalization of sterically hindered
terminal olefins is reported. Alkenes bearing quaternary carbons at
the allylic or homoallylic position are readily oxidized to the corresponding
aldehydes by palladium/copper/nitrite catalysis. A broad range of
functional groups including esters, nitriles, silyl ethers, vinylogous
esters, ketones, lactones, and β-ketoesters are tolerated under
the reaction conditions. The crude aldehyde products can be transformed
further, enabling direct conversion of hindered terminal alkenes to
various other synthetically useful functional groups, resulting in
formal anti-Markovnikov hydroamination, among other transformations.