Activation of organozinc reagents with t-Bu-P4 base for transition metal-free catalytic SN2' reaction.

The t-Bu-P4 base was found to be an excellent catalyst for activating organozinc reagents and was used to promote the S(N)2' reaction of alpha,beta-unsaturated esters bearing a gamma-chloride using various organozinc reagents: these reactions proceeded in high yields with excellent chemo-and regioselectivity.