Stereo- and chemoselective cross-coupling between two electron-deficient acrylates: An efficient route to (Z, E)-muconate derivatives

A Ru-catalyzed direct oxidative cross-coupling reaction of acrylates was developed. It offers a straightforward and atom-economical protocol for the synthesis of functionalized (Z,E)-muconate derivatives in moderate to good yields with good stereo- and chemoselectivities. The conjugated muconates bearing differentiable terminal functionality can be selectively transformed into versatile synthetic intermediates widely used in organic synthesis.