Nickel-catalysed three-component connection reaction of a phenyl group, conjugated dienes, and aldehydes: stereoselective synthesis of (E)-5-phenyl-3-penten-1-ols and (E)-3-methyl-5-phenyl-3-penten-1-ols

In the presence of 10 mol% of Ni(acac)2, Ph2Zn reacts with 1,3-butadiene and aldehydes at room temperature to give 1-alkyl and 1-aryl substituted (E)-5-phenyl-3-penten-1-ols (3) in good yields. Under similar conditions, the three components of Ph3BZnEt2, isoprene, and aldehydes combine with each other to furnish 1-alkyl and 1-aryl substituted (E)-3-methyl-5-phenyl-3-penten-1-ols (5) in good yields.