Access to Acyclic Z-Enediynes by Alkyne Trimerization: Cooperative Bimetallic Catalysis Using Air as the Oxidant

Presented herein is a mild, operationally simple, mix-and-go procedure for the synthesis of acyclic trisubstituted Z-enediynes, from readily available terminal alkynes, in good yields. This method stems from a serendipitous discovery, and makes use of cooperative palladium/copper bimetallic catalysis and air as an oxidant to effect an intriguing alkyne trimerization to yield the valuable Z-enediyne moiety.