The direct conversion of naturally abundant carbonyl
compounds
provides a powerful platform for the efficient synthesis of valuable
chemicals. In particular, the conversion of ketones to alkenes is
a commonly encountered chemical transformation, often achieved via
the multistep Shapiro reaction with tosylhydrazone and over stoichiometric
organolithium or Grignard reagent. Herein, we report an earth abundant
nickel-catalyzed alkenylation of naturally abundant methylene ketones
to afford a wide range of alkene derivatives, mediated by hydrazine.
The protocol features a broad substrate scope (including alkyl ketones,
aryl ketones, and aldehydes), good functional group compatibility,
mild reaction conditions, water tolerance, and only environmentally
friendly N
2
, H
2
, and H
2
O as theoretical
byproducts. Moreover, gram-scale synthesis with good yield and generation
of pharmaceutical intermediates highlighted its practical applicability.