Coupling of propargylsilanes with Fischer carbene chromium complexes: a new synthesis of conjugated dienes

The reaction of propargylsilanes with Fischer carbene complexes has been examined. If the silane-containing carbon is secondary the predominant pathway involves formation of conjugated dienes through a 1,2-silicon shift process of the initially formed vinylcarbene complex intermediate. If a primary propargylsilane is employed, the silicon does not shift and normal alkyne-Fischer carbene coupling processes are observed. The process is moderately stereoselective, resulting in the E enol ether and Z alkenylsilane.