Boron/zinc exchange for the conjugate arylation of unsaturated Meldrum's acid derivatives

An approach for the conjugate arylation reaction of unsaturated Meldrum's acid derivatives is reported. The reaction takes place through a Boron-Zinc exchange reaction between arylboronic acids and diethylzinc and the subsequent transfer of thus generated reactive aryl groups to the beta-position of the double bond of the Meldrum's derivatives. The compounds obtained are valuable synthetic intermediates and can give rise to bioactive molecules such as beta,beta-disubstituted carboxylic acids and amides. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.