Nickel-Catalyzed Multicomponent Connection

Significance

The authors have devised a multicomponent reaction attaching alkynes, 1,3-butadiene, aldehydes, amines and dimethylzinc through nickel catalysis. Interestingly, the use of aromatic amines and aliphatic amines gives contrasting products with the former giving products incorporating one equivalent of 1,3-butadiene and the latter giving products with incorporation of two equivalents of 1,3-butadiene. Aromatic aldehydes with o- or p-substituents (electron-donating or -with­drawing) are tolerated and products are obtained with high yield and complete E/Z selectivity of the olefins.