Tetrasubstituted olefin synthesis via Pd-catalyzed addition of arylboronic acids to internal alkynes using O2 as an oxidant.

The Pd(II)-catalyzed reaction of arylboronic acids and internal alkynes provides a convenient route to a wide variety of tetrasubstituted olefins. The reaction is conducted in DMSO using molecular O2 as an oxidant in the absence of any base. The reaction involves the cis addition of two aryl groups from the arylboronic acid to opposite ends of the triple bond of the internal alkyne. The synthesis tolerates a wide variety of functional groups, including alcohol, aldehyde, ester, TMS, and acetal groups. Electron-rich dialkylacetylenes, such as 4-octyne, provide highly substituted 1,3-dienes in moderate yields. The very mild O2/DMSO conditions also afford good to excellent yields of biaryls by the homocoupling of arylboronic acids.