Markovnikov‐Selective Palladium Catalyst for Carbonylation of Alkynes with Heteroarenes

A new class of palladium catalysts, based on heterocyclic diphosphines, was rationally designed and synthesized. Application of one of these catalysts allows novel Markovnikov-selective carbonylation of non-activated alkynes with heteroarenes to give the corresponding branched α,β-unsaturated ketones in excellent yields (up to 97 %) and regioselectivities (b/l up to 99:1). In addition to heteroarenes, other common nucloephiles (alcohol, phenol, amine, and amide) furnish the desired carbonylation products smoothly in high yields.