E-Z isomerization in Suzuki cross-couplings of haloenones: ligand effects and evidence for a separate catalytic cycle.

Suzuki cross-coupling of haloalkenes is generally assumed to occur with retention of the alkene stereochemistry. While studying Suzuki cross-couplings on E-1,2-dichlorovinyl phenyl ketone, we were surprised to observe extensive isomerization. More surprisingly, the ligand employed strongly influenced the degree of isomerization: DPEphos and Xantphos led to 96% isomerized cross-coupled product whereas reactions in the absence of a phosphine ligand, or reactions employing t-BuXantphos, gave 94% retention of stereochemistry.