Combining the Concepts: Dual Catalysis with Carbophilic Lewis Acids

Abstract

Strong together: Both a gold complex and a palladium complex are needed as catalysts in a Stille-type reaction that does not require an organic halide for the oxidative-addition step (see scheme; dba=trans,trans-dibenzylideneacetone). The bimetallic catalyst system facilitates the construction of highly substituted olefins. Additional examples of reactions that employ the combined action of a π acid and a cocatalyst are briefly discussed.