Abstract
Excerpt: Molecules containing the α,β-unsaturated carbonyl functionality are commonly utilized as substrates for a range of chemical transformations, including nucleophilic addition,1 Michael addition,2 the Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction,3 Diels–Alder reaction,4 and several organo-catalytic reactions.5 The importance of the α-methylene moiety is amplified by its presence in numerous biologically active natural products.6 α-Methylenation has attracted attention because it is generally an atom economical method for conversion of simple carbonyl compounds to their α,β-unsaturated derivatives.