Iridium-catalysed conjugated alkynylation of α,β-unsaturated amide through alkene isomerization

Abstract

We have developed an iridium-catalysed conjugated alkynylation of α,β-unsaturated amide. The catalyst system is applicable to a variety of α,β-unsaturated amides. Experimental and computational data suggest that the alkynylation does not occur directly at the α,β-unsaturated amide. Instead, it occurs through a β-selective hydroalkynylation of β,γ-unsaturated amide.