Stereoselective synthesis of tri- and tetrasubstituted α,β-unsaturated esters via copper-catalyzed coupling of enol triflates of β-ketoesters with Grignard-based zinc ate complexes

Tri- and tetrasubstituted α,β-unsaturated esters were stereoselectively prepared via the copper-catalyzed couplings of the enol triflates of β-ketoesters with Grignard-based zinc ate complexes. Some insights into the mechanistic considerations are described.