Functionalization of Alkynes Catalyzed by <i>t</i>‐Bu‐P4 Base

Abstract

Abstract The addition of O‐ and N‐nucleophiles to alkynes catalyzed by a phosphazene base, t ‐Bu‐P4 base, was investigated. Alkynes were easily transformed to enol ethers and enamines in DMSO by the addition of nucleophiles. When phenylacetylene was reacted with diisopropylamine, a unique head‐to‐head dimerization of phenylacetylene was observed to give the enyne derivative. Terminal proton of phenylacetylene was also catalytically activated by t ‐Bu‐P4 base to generate the acetylide anion which was reacted with carbonyl compounds to give phenylpropargylic alcohol derivatives.