A simple and efficient catalytic method for the synthesis of alkenyl halides via direct coupling of alcohols and alkynes using aqueous HX (X=Cl, Br) as halide sources has been developed under mild conditions in the presence of Fe powder (1 mol %). In comparison with the high loading of FeX3 in previously reported protocols, the present approach provides a remarkable attractive methodology to a diverse range of alkenyl halides due to the advantages of simple operation and low-level metal contamination. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A novel and efficient trifluoromethanesulfonic acid-catalyzed sp(3)-sp(2) C-C bond formation reaction through the direct coupling of alcohols with alkenes has been realized under mild conditions. The present protocol provides an attractive approach to a diverse range of polysubstituted olefins in good to excellent yields with high stereo- and regioselectivities.