CO2-mediated isomerization of enamides

Herein, a selective and efficient CO2-mediated Z to E isomerization of enamides is reported. Notably, CO2 acts as a promoter to form the key reaction intermediate. This protocol provides a novel method for the selective isomerization of enamides under mild conditions with moderate to excellent yields. The method exhibits a broad substrate scope, including late-stage modification of biorelevant molecules. Mechanistic insights by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and density functional theory (DFT) calculation offer evidence that the reaction is promoted by the intermediate via unconventional C-centered mode.