Synthesis of Stereodefined Enones from the Cross-Electrophile\nCoupling of Activated Acrylic Acids with Alkyl Bromides

We report a one-pot synthesis of\n(<i>E</i>)<i>-</i>trisubstituted enones from acrylic\nacids through the in situ generation\nof a 2-pyridyl ester and subsequent cross-electrophile coupling with\na nickel catalyst under reducing conditions. The scope of trisubstituted\nenones is broad and compatible with functionality that can be challenging\nin established olefination techniques. We highlight conditions necessary\nto suppress undesired side reactions from the α,β-unsaturated\ncarbonyl and improve cross-electrophile coupling approaches to prepare\nenones.