Highly regio- and stereoselective synthesis of (Z)-trisubstituted alkenes via propyne bromoboration and tandem Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling.

Contrary to all previous reports, bromoboration of propyne with BBr(3) proceeds in >or=98% syn-selectivity to produce (Z)-2-bromo-1-propenyldibromoborane (1). Although 1 is readily prone to stereoisomerization, it can be converted to the pinacolboronate (2) of >or=98% isomeric purity by treatment with pinacol, which may then be subjected to Negishi coupling to give trisubstituted (Z)-alkenylpinacolboronates (3) containing various R groups in 73-90% yields. Iodinolysis of 3 affords alkenyl iodides (4) in 80-90% yields. All alkenes isolated and identified are >or=98% Z.