Synthesis of acyclic α,β-unsaturated ketones via Pd(II)-catalyzed intermolecular reaction of alkynamides and alkenes

We report an intermolecular oxidative coupling of alkynamides and terminal alkenes to synthesize E-alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones under very mild conditions using catalytic Pd(II) and an oxidant. An O-17 isotope labeling experiment implicates a cyclic oxypalladation intermediate in this reaction.