Contrasteric coupling of allenes and tetrahydroisoquinolines by iron-catalysed allenic C(sp2)-H functionalisation

An iron-catalysed C-H functionalisation of simple monosubstituted allenes for the synthesis of 1-tetrahydroisoquinolinyl 1,1-disubstituted allenes is reported. This transformation represents the first example of a direct conversion of allenic C-H bonds to C-C bonds through cross dehydrogenative coupling. The optimized protocol features broad scope and employs mild, functional group tolerant conditions.

Automated summary

This study presents a novel method using iron catalysis to convert simple monosubstituted allenes into 1-tetrahydroisoquinolinyl 1,1-disubstituted allenes, marking a significant advance in chemical synthesis. The optimized protocol shows a wide scope and mild, functional group tolerant conditions.