Synthesis of lactate derivatives via reductive radical addition to α-oxyacrylates

Lactate derivatives are important synthetic precursors to a variety of pharmaceutical products. Previously reported methods to prepare lactates require multiple steps or have limited scopes. Herein, we report a Ni-catalyzed reductive addition of a variety of alkyl iodides to α-oxyacrylates to afford substituted lactates. Exploring the scope of radical acceptors reveals that electron-deficient alkenes, ranging from cyclohexenone to para-caboxystyrene, undergo efficient coupling with alkyl iodides. This method represents an alternative strategy access lactate derivatives.