CuCl-catalyzed stereoselective conjugate addition of Grignard reagents to 2,3-allenoates

CuCl was found to be an efficient catalyst for the conjugate addition of 2,3-allenoates with Grignard reagents to synthesize poly-substituted β,γ-unsaturated alkenoates with high stereoselectivity in good to excellent yields. Primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl, vinyl or phenyl Grignard reagents may all be used.