A Diastereoselective Intermolecular Heck Reaction of 1,3-Dioxepins

A highly diastereoselective intermolecular Heck reaction of 1,3-dioxepins is reported. Substitution at both the 2- and 4-positions of the dioxepin directs the Pd coordination and subsequent olefin insertion to provide the trans-disubstituted adduct in good yield and high diastereoselectivity. Chemoselective Heck reaction occurs at the dioxepin alkene in the presence of other olefinic functional groups. A labeling study has been conducted which suggests that the reaction is under kinetic control.