Pd(II)-Catalyzed Alkylation of Tertiary Carbon via Directing-Group-Mediated C(sp(3))-H Activation: Synthesis of Chiral 1,1,2-Trialkyl Substituted Cyclopropanes.

A Pd(OAc)2-catalyzed alkylation reaction of the tertiary carbon of chiral cyclopropane substrates with alkyl iodides and bromides via C(sp(3))-H activation has been developed. This is an elusive example of a C-H activation-mediated alkylation of tertiary carbon to effectively construct a quaternary carbon center. The alkylation proceeded with various alkyl halides, including those of functional groups, to provide a variety of chiral cis- and trans-1,1,2,-trialkyl substituted cyclopropanes of medicinal chemical importance.