Intermolecular Olefin Cross Coupling Reactions Mediated by Long-Range Electron Transfer

Abstract

We have developed novel electrochemical olefin cross coupling reactions giving cyclobutane derivatives in excellent yields. These efficient cycloaddition was achieved by the combination of a cyclic enol ether and unactivated olefins possessing an alkoxyphenyl redox tag. Intramolecular long-range electron transfer from the alkoxyphenyl group to the cyclobutane moiety is proposed to explain the efficient cyclobutane formation.