Synthesis of <i>Z</i>‑Alkenes from Rh(I)-Catalyzed Olefin Isomerization of β,γ-Unsaturated Ketones

Developing olefin isomerization reactions to reach kinetically controlled <i>Z</i>-alkenes is challenging because formation of <i>trans</i>-alkenes is thermodynamically favored under the traditional catalytic conditions using acids, bases, or transition metals as the catalysts. A new synthesis of <i>Z</i>-alkenes from Rh(I)-catalyzed olefin isomerization of β,γ-unsaturated ketones to α,β-unsaturated ketones was developed, providing an easy and efficient way to access various <i>Z</i>-enones