Zinc-Mediated Highly α-Regioselective 1,4-Addition of Chalcones with Prenyl Bromide in THF

α-Regioselective addition to chalcones was realized by use of in situ generated prenylzinc reagents from zinc and prenyl bromide in the presence of SnCl4 in a 1,4-addition fashion. The approach uses the reagent combination of prenyl bromide, zinc, and SnCl4 in THF, all of which are inexpensive, readily available, and easily removable after the reaction.