Synthesis of the multisubstituted halogenated olefins via cross-coupling of dihaloalkenes with alkylzinc bromides.

[reaction: see text] The 1-fluoro-1-haloalkenes undergo Pd-catalyzed Negishi cross-couplings with primary alkylzinc bromides to give multisubstituted fluoroalkenes. The alkylation was trans-selective giving pure Z-fluoroalkenes in most cases. The highest yields were obtained with Pd2(dba)3 and PdCl2(dppb) catalysts but the best stereochemical outcome was obtained with less reactive Pd(PPh3)4. The tertiary alkylzincs also produced desired fluoroalkenes in high yields. Coupling of beta,beta-dichlorostyrene with organozinc reagent resulted in the formation of monocoupled product.