Selective Functionalization of Arenes through the Reaction of Aryne-Zirconocene Complexes and Enol Ethers

A new method for the selective functionalization of aromatic rings by the zirconium promoted cross coupling reaction of an aryllithium compound and an enol ether is reported. Formation of an aryne-zirconocene complex and its regioselective coupling with an enol ether are the key steps of the process. This methodology allows the synthesis of functionalized styrene or Z-alkenol derivatives from simple and easily available starting materials.