Preparation of cis-olefins

摘要

A cis-olefin of the formula: R1-CH=CH-R2 is prepared by reducing an alkyne of the formula: R1-C=C-R2 with formic acid in the presence of a palladium catalyst. R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, ester group, substituted silyl group, carboxyl group, cyano group, aliphatic C1-C20 hydrocarbon group, and phenyl group. The cis-olefin which is a useful intermediate for the synthesis of fine chemicals is selectively produced in high yields.