Recent advances in directing group-free 1,2-dialkylation of alkenes

The 1,2-dialkylation of alkenes is a valuable class of reactions in organic synthesis, enabling the formation of C(sp³)-C(sp³) bonds that form the backbone of pharmaceuticals, materials, and natural products. This transformation offers a straightforward approach to construct complex molecular structures. Despite past advancements in chemistry, challenges such as regioselectivity control and β-hydride elimination still persist. In this review, we discuss recent progress in transition metal catalysis, photocatalysis and electrochemical methods for 1,2-dialkylation in the absence of directing auxiliaries, focusing on scope, mechanistic insights and potential for late-stage functionalization. We also address current limitations and suggest future directions in this area of research.