Bi-directional alkyne tandem isomerization via Pd(0)/carboxylic acid joint catalysis: expedient access to 1,3-dienes

Abstract

An in situ formed palladium hydride catalyst enables the sequential dual isomerization of propargylamide derivatives to 1-amido-1,3-dienes with high chemo- and regioselectivity. The reaction shows ample functional group tolerance, delivering a valuable class of products, including highly deuterated ones, from readily available reagents. The reaction occurs through a complex mechanism studied by DFT modelling.