Vicinal C-Functionalization of Alkenes. Pd/Light-Induced Multicomponent Coupling Reactions Leading to Functionalized Esters and Lactones

Under photoirradiation conditions using a xenon light, and in the presence of PdCl2(PPh3)(2) as a catalyst, four-component coupling reactions comprising of alpha-substituted iodoalkanes, alkenes, carbon monoxide, and alcohols proceeded smoothly to give functionalized esters in good yields. When alkenyl alcohols were used as acceptor alkenes, three-component coupling reactions accompanied by intramolecular esterification proceeded to give lactones in good yields. The present reaction system represents the vicinal C-functionalization of alkenes.