Base-catalyzed stereoselective vinylation of ketones with arylacetylenes: a new C(sp3)-C(sp2) bond-forming reaction.

Alkylaryl- and alkylheteroarylketones, including those with condensed aromatic moieties, are readily vinylated with arylacetylenes (KOH/DMSO, 100 degrees C, 1 h) to give regio- and stereoselectively the (E)-beta-gamma-ethylenic ketones ((E)-3-buten-1-ones) in 61-84% yields and with approximately 100% stereoselectivity. This vinylation represents a new C(sp(3))-C(sp(2)) bond-forming reaction of high synthetic potential.