Thexylborane reaction with alkynes

The stereoselective synthesis of the title compounds has been achieved. Thexylborane on reaction with 2 molar equivalents of 1-iodo-l-alkyne at 0 °C proceeds to near completion (88% for 1-iodo-l-hexyne) to form fully substituted organoborane (33), which upon treatment with 2 molar equivalents of sodium methoxide at 0 °C readily produces trans-1,2,3-butatrienes (Eq. 102) 157). The same reaction, however, with either 1-chloro or 1-bromo-l-alkynes is sluggish to form the thexyl-l-halo-l-alkenyl-borane31). 

Cis-olefins or cis./rjns-dienes can be obtained from alkynes in similar reaction sequences. The alkyne is first hydroborated and then treated with alkaline iodine. If the other substituents on boron are alkyl groups, a cis-olefin is formed (G. Zweifel, 1967). If they are cir-alkenyls, a cis, trans-diene results. The reactions are thought to be iodine-assisted migrations of the cis-alkenyl group followed by (rans-deiodoboronation (G. Zweifel, 1968). Trans, trans-dienes are made from haloalkynes and alkynes. These compounds are added one after the other to thexylborane. The alkenyl(l-haloalkenyl)thexylboranes are converted with sodium methoxide into trans, trans-dienes (E. Negishi, 1973). The thexyl group does not migrate. 

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