An E-Z resolution

Abstract

Organic Chemistry Compounds with carbon-carbon double bonds can adopt two distinct geometries, designated E or Z on the basis of whether the largest substituents on each carbon are across from or adjacent to each other. Majhi et al. report a method to transform a mixture of E and Z reactants into a single E -configured alkylated product. This dynamic kinetic resolution process relies on deprotonating the carbon next to the double bond to facilitate the rotation. Modeling highlights a coordinative role of the base's sodium counter-ion after deprotonation. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 141 , 11770 (2019).