The electrophilic dihalogenation reaction of alkenes has been widely used as a predictable stereospecific synthesis method. In contrast, the principle of reaction development has yet to be established for the complementary dihalogenation reaction. In this regard, Professor Wonjin Chung proposes two strategies: simultaneous activation of both carbons of the alkene on one side and the use of the reversible auxiliary action of the nucleophile in the molecule.

His research enables the production of products in which two halogen substituents are introduced in the same direction of an alkene. Not only is this a level applicable to organic synthesis, but this is also an untapped development area. This study will likely offer substantial flexibility to stereoselective synthesis research, which has previously relied heavily on the reaction of opposite-direction halogenation.

The same-direction alkene dihalogenation reaction is currently attracting attention in academic society and is expected to have significant academic and industrial ripple effects with expandability to various applied areas.