An Efficient Microwave-PromotedRoute to (Z)-Stilbenes from trans-Cinnamic Acids: Synthesisof Combretastatin A-4 and Analogues

cis-Stilbenes were synthesized from trans-cinnamic acids, involving ethylenic-bond bromination and a subsequent one-pot microwave-promoted stereoselective debrominative decarboxylation-Suzuki cross-coupling strategy. This sequence represents a useful way to prepare a variety of combretastatin A-4 derivatives.