A Stereoconvergent Tsuji‐Trost Reaction in the Synthesis of Cyclohexenyl Nucleosides

A highly regio has been devised, using the Tsuji-Trost reaction as the key step. Contrarily to the widely accepted mechanism (involving a net retention of configuration), the reaction proceeded in a highly stereoconvergent manner, providing cis nucleosides regardless of the relative configuration of the starting materials. DFT calculations confirmed the experimental data while suggesting the origin of the stereochemical reaction outcome.