Direct conjugate addition of alkynes with α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds catalyzed by NCN-pincer Ru complexes.

NCN-pincer Ru-complexes containing bis(oxazolinyl)phenyl ligands serve as suitable catalysts in the direct conjugate additions of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, including ketones, esters, and amides, as well as vinylphosphonates, giving various β-alkynyl carbonyl and phosphonate compounds. A bis(oxazolinyl)phenyl (phebox)-Ru complex also catalyzes the asymmetric conjugate addition of an alkyne with a β-substituted, α,β-unsaturated ketone to produce a chiral β-alkynyl ketone.