A protocol was established to control the 1,3-lithium shift in propargylic/allenylic species formed by the conjugate addition of 4-aryl-3-butyn-1-enes with organolithiums. Subsequent transmetalation and Pd(0)-catalyzed cross-coupling with aryl halides afforded 1,1-diarylallenes and 1,3-diarylallenes, respectively, the structural diversities of which are determined by the easily availability of both 4-aryl-3-butyn-1-enes and the organolithium reagents.
conjugated enynes - organolithiums - conjugate addition - Negishi coupling - allenes