Copper-catalyzed decarboxylative C-P cross-coupling of alkynyl acids with H-phosphine oxides: a facile and selective synthesis of (E)-1-alkenylphosphine oxides.

A novel and efficient copper-catalyzed decarboxylative cross-coupling of alkynyl acids for the stereoselective synthesis of E-alkenylphosphine oxides has been developed. In the presence of 10 mol % of CuCl without added ligand, base, and additive, various alkynyl acids reacted with H-phosphine oxides to afford E-alkenylphosphine oxides with operational simplicity, broad substrate scope, and the stereoselectivity for E-isomers.