A catalytic reaction of alkynes via multiple-site functionalization

The first multiple-site activation of alkynes with amine/halogen functionalities has been established. The reaction was performed by treating alkyne with N,N-dichlorobenzenesulfonamide at 80 degrees C in the presence of palladium acetate catalyst. A new mechanism was proposed which involves the novel formation of beta-halovinyl palladium and pi-allylpalladium species. Excellent regio- and stereoselectivities were achieved with the absolute structure determined by X-ray structural analysis.