Activation of C-H bonds α to nitriles for combinatorial chemistry: Ruthenium-catalyzed aldol and Michael reactions of polymer-supported nitriles

Abstract

Catalytic activation of C-H bonds adjacent to nitriles supported by Wang resin can be performed with ruthenium dihydride complex RuH2(PPh3)4 (1). Aldol and Michael reactions of the solid-supported cyanoacetates proceed to give the corresponding adducts in good yields under mild and neutral conditions. Four-component reactions that include sequential aldol-Michael-Michael reaction by C-H activation take place diastereoselectively.