β,γ‐Unsaturatedaldehydes with all‐carbon quaternary or tertiary α‐centers were rapidly assembled from ketones through a unique synthetic operation consisting of 1) C1 homologation, 2) Lewis acid mediated epoxide–aldehyde isomerization, and 3) electrophilic trapping. The synthetic equivalence of a vinyl oxirane and a β,γ‐unsaturatedaldehyde is the key concept of this previously undisclosed tactic
nickel‐catalyzed α‐allylation of aldehydes with allyl alcohol is reported. The reaction is promoted by 1 mol % of in situ formed nickel complex in methanol, and water is the sole by‐product of the reaction. The experimental conditions allow the conversion of various α‐branched aldehydes and α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes as nucleophiles. The same catalyst and reaction conditions enabled a tandem aldol condensation