Palladium(II) acetate catalyzed efficient synthesis of N‐aryl‐α,β‐unsaturated amides via carbonylative addition of aniline derivatives to aromatic alkynes

A series of new N‐aryl‐α,β‐disubstituted amides (gem or E1; trans or E2) were synthesized in good yields by carbonylative addition of aniline derivatives 1a–f to aromatic alkynes 2a,b catalyzed by Pd(OAc)₂ and 1,3‐bis(diphenylphosphino)propane. The catalytic synthesis of tertiary α,β‐unsaturated amides was also successfully achieved. Traces of products were observed in the absence of p‐toluenesulfonic acid used as an additive. The reaction is sensitive to the type of phosphine ligand and solvent. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.