Stereoselective C(sp²)-H Alkylation of Enamides with Unactivated Aliphatic Carboxylic Acids via Decarboxylative Cross-Coupling Reactions

An efficient and straightforward stereoselective alkylation reaction of enamides using commercially available and easily accessible unactivated alkyl carboxylic acids as alkylating agents is described, giving rise to a diverse array of synthetically important and geometrically defined β-alkylated enamides bearing primary, secondary, or tertiary alkyl moieties. This transformation also shows excellent functional group tolerance, satisfying atom economy, and operational simplicity.