Cobalt-catalyzed regio- and stereoselective intermolecular enyne coupling: an efficient route to 1,3-diene derivatives

The reaction of alkynes with vinyl arenes or vinyl trimethyl silane in the presence of a cobalt(II) complex, Zn and ZnI(2) in CH(2)Cl(2) at rt to 50 degrees C provides 1,3-dienes in good to excellent yields.