Tuning of regioselectivity in the coupling reaction involving allenic/propargylic palladium species

Two different types of coupling patterns for the Pd(0)-catalyzed coupling reaction of allenic/propargylic zinc reagents with organic halides or propargylic carbonates (acetate) with the corresponding organometallic reagents were observed. After studying the controlling factors on the regioselectivity of this reaction, we demonstrated that the steric hindrance of both reactants and the types of organic halides determine the regioselectivity of this coupling reaction. By subtle choosing of the substrates, the regioselectivity can be tuned. On the basis of these results, new methodologies for the highly regio- and stereoselective synthesis of 6-substituted hex-5-yn-2-enoates and 4,6-dialkylhexa-2,4,5-trienoates have been developed. Some of the products synthesized by the carbonate protocol cannot be prepared by the lithiation protocol because the regioselectivity of lithiation of dialkyl-substituted internal alkynes is an intrinsic problem.