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 dihy- dride 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.