Pd(0)–PhCOOH catalyzed addition of oxygen pronucleophiles to allenes and internal alkynes

Abstract
We have developed a catalytic system that enables the addition of alcohols to allenes using a combination of 5 mol% Pd(PPh3)4 and 10 mol% benzoic acid. Likewise, the addition reaction of carboxylic acids to alkynes is described. In all cases the reaction proceeded well, giving the corresponding allylation products in good-to-high yields with high regio- and stereoselectivities.Key words: addition, alcohols, carboxylic acids, allenes, alkynes, palladium.