One-pot conversion of 1,1-dibromoalkenes into internal alkynes by sequential Suzuki–Miyaura and dehydrobromination reactions

A protocol for the one-pot synthesis of internal alkynes from 1,1-dibromoalkenes is reported. The method is hinged upon the Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling of 2-aryl- or 2-heteroaryl-1,1-dibromoalkenes with aryl or heteroaryl boronic acids or borate esters followed by dehydrobromination of the intermediate coupled products. Yields up to 89% were obtained.