The sequential Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions with water soluble and anhydrous Pd (0) catalysts between vinylic iodo derivatives 6, 8 and 3-iodocyclohexe none 7 with trimethyl silyl acetylene are used to produce functionalized intermediates 11 and 18. Conjugate addition followed by enolate trapping with trimethyl orthoformate provided B-seco taxane derivatives 14 and 20.
