Catalyst- and solvent-dependent stereodivergence in the intramolecular Et(2)Zn/Pd(0) -promoted carbonyl propargylation: mechanistic implications

Carbonyl-tethered propargylic benzoates undergo intramolecular carbonylpropargylation upon treatment with Et2 Zn in the presence of a catalytic amount of Pd(0) with the formation of 2-alkynylcyclopentanol products. A ligand/solvent effect on the cis/trans selectivity (referring to the relative positions of alkynyl and OH groups) of ring-closure has been found. In a non-coordinating solvent (benzene), increasing the electron-donating ability of the phosphine ligand (while decreasing its dissociation ability) leads to an increased tendency towards the trans product. On the other hand, the combination of a coordinating solvent (THF) and PPh3 , an easily dissociated phosphine, results in the exclusive formation of cis products. Experimental and computational results are compatible with a divergent behavior of an allenylethylpalladium intermediate that partitions between competitive carbonyl-addition and transmetalation pathways, each leading to a different diastereoisomer. These results also suggest that the dissociating ability of the phosphine regulates that behavior.