Switch in stereoselectivity caused by the isocyanide structure in the rhodium-catalyzed silylimination of alkynes.

The reaction of terminal alkynes with hydrosilanes and tert-alkyl isocyanides in the presence of Rh(4)(CO)(12) gives (Z)-β-silyl-α,β-unsaturated imines in good yields. On the other hand, the use of aryl isocyanides in place of tert-alkyl isocyanides leads to the formation of E isomers.

Rhodium-catalyzed reaction of terminal alkynes with allylamine leading to (E)-3-alkylidene N-heterocycles.

Terminal alkynes react with allylamine in the presence of a RhCl(PPh3)3 catalyst to give (E)-3-alkylidene-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrroles. The products consist of two molecules of alkyne and one molecule of allylamine. Although dimers, trimers, and oligomers of alkynes are also obtained as byproducts, the addition of various ammonium salts to the reaction suppresses such oligomerization, resulting in an increase in product.