Zirconium catalyzed alkyne dimerization for selective Z-enyne synthesis

Platel, Rachel H. and Schafer, Laurel L. (2012) Zirconium catalyzed alkyne dimerization for selective Z-enyne synthesis. Chemical Communications, 48 (86). pp. 10609-10611. ISSN 1359-7345

Abstract

The regioselective head-to-head dimerization of alkynes is catalyzed by a dibenzyl tethered bis(ureate) zirconium precatalyst with aniline as an additive. This system also gives outstanding stereoselectivity to furnish Z-enynes in high yields. A dinuclear reactive intermediate has been characterized, which provides a potential mechanistic rationale for the unexpected regio- and stereoselectivity in this catalytic system.