A research team has developed a reaction for creating functionalized ketones. Using an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) organocatalyst, with no need for metals or light irradiation, an acyl and an alkyl group are added across the double bond of an alkene. The NHC gives regioselective control over a relay process involving electron transfer followed by successive addition of two radicals onto the alkene. The diverse products are useful building blocks for further syntheses.
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Source: ScienceDaily