ZrCl2(η-C5Me5)2-AlHCl2·(THF)2: efficient hydroalumination of terminal alkynes and cross-coupling of the derived alanes

Abstract

Stabilized AlHCl(2)·(THF)(2) hydroaluminates RC≡CH with exceptional chemo-, regio- and stereoselectivity under efficient ZrCl(2)(η-C(5)Me(5))(2) catalysis (2-5 mol%). The resulting vinyl alanes undergo palladium cross-coupling with a wide range of sp(2) electrophiles (aryl, heteroaryl and vinyl halides/pseudohalides) in good to excellent yields.