Cobalt-catalysed synthesis of highly substituted styrene derivatives via arylzincation of alkynes.

A new two-step procedure was developed by carbozincation of internal and terminal alkynes to synthesise highly functionalised vinylzinc bromides. Various tri and tetrasubstituted alkenes were prepared in moderate to good yields under mild reaction conditions in a stereo-selective manner. This methodology represents an interesting alternative to previously known methods.