Copper(I)-catalyzed reaction of acylzirconocene chloride: cross-coupling and conjugate addition

For the purpose of exploring a new reaction of acylzirconocene chloride as an acyl anion donor, Cu(I)-catalyzed cross-coupling and conjugate addition reactions of acylzirconocene chloride were studied. The coupling reaction with allylic or propargylic halides efficiently proceeded to yield β,γ-unsaturated ketone or allenyl ketone derivatives, respectively. The conjugated addition reaction to α,β-enones was carried out in the presence of 2 equiv. of BF3·OEt2 giving 1,4-diketone compounds.