Electrophotocatalysis widens the scope of carbonyl olefination
New approach avoids the strong bases associated with the Wittig reaction, supporting a wider range of starting materials
A new electrophotocatalytic method broadens the scope of the classic carbonyl olefination reaction. The approach works with a wider array of starting materials and produces less waste than traditional methods like the Wittig reaction.
Olefins are important building blocks for organic synthesis. But established methods of accessing these compounds from cheap carbonyl feedstocks often require strong bases, which limit the reactions’ functional group tolerance. Now, Tristan Lambert and graduate student Keri Steiniger from Cornell University, US, have instead employed electrophotocatalysis to access a greater range of olefins while simplifying the waste stream.