Metal-free regioselective hydrochlorination of unactivated alkenes via a combined acid catalytic system

Abstract

A combined acid HCl/DMPU-acetic acid catalytic system was used in the hydrochlorination of a wide range of unactivated alkenes. This hydrochlorination strategy is remarkably greener than previous reported methods in terms of high atom efficiency, no toxic waste generated and metal-free process. The higher efficiency, compared with other commercially available HCl reagents, was augmented by the good regioselectivity and functionality tolerance found. A stepwise mechanism for this hydrochlorination process was proposed based on kinetic studies.