Methods for C-C bonds formation are basic toolboxes for synthetic chemists. In spite of the myriad methods available, seeking an alternative green chemistry route for C-C bonds formation in terms of the operational simplicity, functional-group tolerance and metal free are in constant demand. The highly efficient biochemical pathways developed by nature to produce complex molecules is a good source of inspiration for chemists. Examination of the chemical building blocks, modes of substrate activation, and biosynthetic pathways in nature provided much insight for chemists to achieve many bio-mimetic organocatalytic C–C bond formations.

Recently, Prof. TANG Zhuo and his colleagues from Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences found that C-4 alkyl substituted DHPs could be used as an organo-alkylation reagent for transfer alkylation of imines with high efficiency. Meanwhile, the reasonable reaction mechanism was considered as stepwise concerted process. Now, Prof. TANG Zhuo and his colleagues found the rationally designed DHPs could replace the nitro groups of nitro olefins to provide trans-olefins in excellent yields. The reaction mechanism was considered to proceed through free radical mechanism, which was different from the corresponding transfer alkylation of imines.

The study entitled Alkyl Transfer from C-C Cleavage: Replace Nitro Group of Nitro-olefin has been published online in Chemical Communications, 2014, 50, 47, 6246.