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 stereoselectively 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.