title: Zirconium catalyzed alkyne dimerization for selective Z-enyne synthesis.
abstract: The regioselective head-to-head dimerization of alkynes is catalyzed by a dibenzyl tethered bis(ureate) zirconium precatalyst with aniline as an additive. This system also gives outstanding stereoselectivity to furnish Z-enynes in high yields. A dinuclear reactive intermediate has been characterized, which provides a potential mechanistic rationale for the unexpected regio- and stereoselectivity in this catalytic system.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z1, Canada.
authors.forename: Rachel H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Platel
authors.forename: Laurel L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Schafer