Catalytic nitrile-alkyne cross-metathesis

INOR 439

Marc J. A. Johnson, mjaj@umich.edu, Robyn L. Gdula, rgdula@umich.edu, and Andrea M. Geyer, amdawson@umich.edu. Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, 930 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1055
The synthesis of new tungsten nitrido complexes of the form N≡W(OR)3 (R = polyfluorinated alkoxide) is discussed. Triple-bond metathesis reactivity of these complexes towards nitriles and alkynes is examined. Reaction with internal alkynes generates the alkylidyne complexes R'C≡W(OR)3 (R' = alkyl, aryl) reversibly. Scope, mechanism, and application of this nitrile-alkyne cross-metathesis reaction to the synthesis of alkynes from nitriles are highlighted.