Pd/C-catalyzed alkynylation of β-chloroacroleins

The first Pd/C-mediated Sonogashira coupling of β-chloroacroleins with terminal alkynes is described here. Pd/C-CuI-PPh3 was found to be an efficient catalyst system for this coupling reaction. Using this economic and general process a variety of 4-alkynyl-2H-chromene-3-carbaldehydes and 5-alkynyl-2,3-dihydro benzo[b]oxepine-4-carbaldehydes were prepared in good yields.