Multicomponent reactions based on nucleophilic carbenes and their applications in organic synthesis

Zwitterionic intermediates generated from the addition of nonprotic nucleophiles to activated acetylenes are intercepted with various third components constituting novel multicomponent organic transformations. Catalytic amounts of an organic base like pyridine were found to trigger reactions between an electrophilic acetylene and a variety of electrophiles. The reactions proceed through dipolar intermediates and show high stereoselectivity.