Stereoselective synthesis of 1,2,3,4-tetrasubstituted dienes from allenoates and aldehydes: an observation of phosphine-induced chemoselectivity.

Phosphine-mediated olefination between alpha-substituted allenoates and aldehydes to form 1,2,3,4-tetrasubstituted 1,3-dienes is presented. High levels of chemo- and diastereoselectivity and yield are obtained for a wide scope of substrates with the choice of appropriate phosphines. This reaction evidences the capacity of phosphines in the control of reaction pathways and provides a highly efficient synthetic method for tetrasubstituted conjugated dienes.