Palladium catalyzed ring opening of azabicyclic olefins with organoindium and gallium reagents: a facile access towards benzylated cyclopentanoids

Palladium catalyzed desymmetrization of diazabicyclic olefins with organoindium and gallium reagents were examined. These reactions provided an easy access to trans-3,4-disubstituted cyclopentenes in good to excellent yields. Indium reagents exhibited better reactivity compared to gallium reagents. The developed methodology demonstrates a simple, clean and efficient route towards substituted cyclopentenes. The present strategy provides access to benzylated cyclopentene derivatives in one pot, which forms the skeleton of a number of biologically important molecules.