Stereoselective synthesis of multisubstituted enamides via rhodium-catalyzed carbozincation of ynamides.

A new rhodium-catalyzed carbozincation of ynamides has been developed, using diorganozinc reagents or functionalized alkylzinc halides. The reactions are highly regio- and stereoselective, allowing access to a wide range of multisubstituted enamides, which are increasingly important building blocks for organic synthesis. Utilization of the alkenylzinc intermediates in further carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions to form trisubstituted enamides is also possible.