Palladium-catalyzed semihydrogenation of alkynes with EtOH: highly stereoselective synthesis of E- and Z-alkenes

Herein, a palladium-catalyzed semi-hydrogenation of alkynes to E- and Z-alkenes employing EtOH as hydrogenating agents was reported. The selectivity of the reaction system was effectively controlled by ligand/additive and solvent regulation. The use of sodium acetate/triethanolamine (NaOAc/TEOA), THF and (1R,2R)-bis[(2-methoxypheny)phenyl- phosphino]ethane ((R,R)-DIPAMP), CH3CN was critical for the stereoselective semihydrogenation of alkynes. The general applicability of this procedure was highlighted by the synthesis of more than 36 alkenes, with good yields and high stereoselectivities.