A catalyst system formed in situ from bis (2-methallyl) cycloocta-1, 5-diene-ruthenium (II)[(cod) Ru (met) 2], 1, 4-bis (dicyclohexylphosphino) butane (dcypb) and ytterbium (III) triflate hydrate (Yb (OTf) 3) was found to catalyze the addition of nitrogen nucleophiles to terminal alkynes under mild conditions to stereoselectively form the Z-enamide or Z-enimide products. Various secondary amides and imides could be added across the triple bond of ...
