Catalytic Alkyne Dimerization without Noble Metals

Abstract

1,3-Enynes are core structures of various natural products or pharmaceuticals and are broadly used synthons in organic synthesis. Metal-catalyzed alkyne dimerization is a desirable preparation method, due to its perfect atom economy and the readily available alkyne substrates. Controlling the regio- and stereoselectivity remains a challenge, due to the competing formation of the head-to-tail (gem) and head-to-head (E/Z) isomers. Although catalytic systems based on noble metals have been extensively studied, there has been a growing interest to replace these noble metals with environmentally benign and inexpensive alternatives. In this Perspective, we highlight recent advances in catalytic alkyne dimerization, without the use of noble metals.