Dimerization–Carbostannylation of Alkynes Catalyzed by a Palladium–Diimine Complex: Regioselectivity, Stereoselectivity and Mechanism

Double insertion of alkynes into the C–Sn bond of an alkynyl-, alkenyl-, allyl- or arylstannane proceeded in the presence of a palladium–diimine complex to afford highly conjugated alkenylstannanes with exclusive syn selectivity. Perfect regioselectivities were observed in the dimerization–carbostannylation of ethyl propiolate with a palladium–1,2-bis[(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino]acenaphthene complex, which allowed regio- and stereoselective synthesis of stannyl-substituted muconic acid derivatives. The π-conjugation of the dimerization–carbostannylation products was further extended through a cross-coupling or homocoupling reaction. A palladacyclopentadiene is proposed as an intermediate species.