Stereoselective synthesis of 3,3-diarylacrylonitriles as tubulin polymerization inhibitors

A series of 3,3-diarylacrylonitriles were synthesized stercoselectively as tubulin polymerization inhibitors for potential use in cancer chemotherapy. This synthetic route features stannylcupration and palladium-catalyzed Stille cross-coupling chemistry, allowing both E and Z isomers of 3,3-diarylacrylonitriles to be prepared in a very short sequence of reactions.