One-pot hydrosilylation–protodesilylation of functionalized diarylalkynes: a highly selective access to Z-stilbenes. Application to the synthesis of combretastatin A-4

Abstract An efficient stereoselective synthesis of Z -stilbenes has been developed from diarylalkynes via a new hydrosilylation–protodesilylation process. The scope and limitation of this method is presented to stereoselectively prepare a wide range of ( Z )-stilbenes in a one-pot way is presented. A concise application to the preparation of combretastatin A-4 ( CA - 4 ), a vascular targeting agent inhibitor of tubulin polymerisation is described.