Alkenes serve as a key handle for further functionalization, thus methods of activation that provide both selectivity, and tolerance to substitution and functional groups are highly sought after. Metal hydride atom transfer (MHAT) has seen a high level of interest for this reason. It avoids issues that occur in other common alkene functionalization methods like hydrometallation and Bronsted acid conditions.

Our laboratory has long focused on the development of especially concise strategies for the synthesis of structurally complex natural products with compelling biological activities. These exploits are usually destined to provide opportunities for deeper studies of their mechanism of action or aspects of their biosynthesis. To aid in these goals, we often design strategies that are amenable to the procurement of multiple members of a family of secondary metabolites.