Copper catalyzed magnesium-Barbier reaction for γ-selective alkyl–allyl coupling

CuCN catalyzed alkyl–allyl coupling under magnesium-Barbier conditions occurs regioselectively and affords predominantly the γ-products in good to high yields. This one-pot CuCN catalyzed reaction utilising Mg, an alkyl halide and an allylic substrate in THF at room temperature provides an easy alternative to the classical CuCN catalyzed γ-allylation of alkyl Grignard reagents.