Mild and ligand-free Pd(II)-catalyzed conjugate additions to hindered γ-substituted cyclohexenones.

Ligand-free cationic Pd(II) catalyst with NaNO3 as an additive is a highly active catalytic system for conjugate additions to sterically hindered γ-substituted cyclohexenones. More challenging γγ- and βγ-substrates also react well to produce products with quaternary centers in good dr. The conjugate additions occur in a diastereoselective fashion under mild, practical and air-stable conditions, using readily available commercial reagents.