Selective Hydroarylation of 1,3‐Diynes Using a Dimeric Manganese Catalyst: Modular Synthesis of Z‐Enynes

The transition‐metal‐catalyzed selective hydroarylation of unsymmetrical alkynes represents the state‐of‐art in organic chemistry, and still mainly relies on the use of precious late‐transition‐metal catalysts. Reported herein is an unprecedented MnI‐catalyzed hydroarylation of unsymmetrical 1,3‐diyne alcohols with commercially available arylboronic acids with predictive selectivity. This method addresses the challenges in regio‐, stereo‐, and chemoselectivity. It offers a general, convenient and practical strategy for the modular synthesis of multisubstituted Z‐configurated conjugated enynes. This protocol is distinguished by its operational simplicity, complete selectivity, excellent functional‐group compatibility, and gram‐scale potential. A dimeric MnI species, Mn2(CO)8Br2, was proven to be a much more efficient catalyst precursor than Mn(CO)5Br.