Dimerization of Terminal Aryl Alkynes Catalyzed by Iron(II) Amine-Pyrazolyl Tripodal Complexes with E/Z Selectivity Controlled by tert-Butoxide

The catalytic activity of iron(II) complexes with functionalized amine-pyrazolyl tripodal ligands toward dimerization of terminal alkynes in the presence a base (KOtBu or NaOtBu) has been studied. An unusual E/Z selectivity of the reaction determined by tert-butoxide was observed.