Stereoselective Synthesis of 1,2,3,4-Tetrasubstituted Dienes from Allenoates and Aldehydes: An Observation of Phosphine-Induced Chemoselectivity

Phosphine-mediated olefination between a-substituted allenoates and aldehydes to form 1,2,3,4-tetrasubstituted 1,3-dienes is presented. High levels of chemo- and diastereoselectivity and yield are obtained for a wide scope of substrates with the choice of appropriate phosphines. This reaction evidences the capacity of phosphines in the control of reaction pathways and provides a highly efficient synthetic method for tetrasubstituted conjugated dienes.