This paper reports the oxidation of functionalized diarylalkynes with DMSO in the presence of the environmentally friendly FeBr3 catalyst. This non-toxic procedure is general and has been applied successfully under microwave irradiation leading rapidly to benzil derivatives in good yields.
One-pot hydrosilylation–protodesilylation of functionalized diarylalkynes: a highly selective access to Z-stilbenes. Application to the synthesis of combretastatin A-4
An efficient stereoselective synthesis of Z-stilbenes has been developed from diarylalkynes via a new hydrosilylation-protodesilylation process. The scope and limitation of this method is presented to stereo selectively prepare a wide range of (Z)-stilbenes in a one-pot way is presented. A concise application to the preparation of combretastatin A-4 (CA-4), a vascular targeting agent inhibitor of tubulin polymerisation is described. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.