Cross-coupling of alkynylsilanols with aryl halides promoted by potassium trimethylsilanolate

The palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of aliphatic alkynylsilanols with aryl iodides has been demonstrated with potassium trimethylsilanolate as the coupling promoter and copper(I) iodide as a cocatalyst. The cross-coupling proceeds at room temperature in good to excellent yield with a range of aryl iodides. A comparison of the reactivity of alkynylsilanols, trimethylsilylalkynes, and terminal alkynes under fluoride and fluoride-free conditions was performed to elucidate the role of silicon in the Sonogashira reaction.