CuCl2-catalyzed highly stereoselective and chemoselective reduction of alkynyl amides into α,β-unsaturated amides using silanes as hydrogen donors

A CuH-catalyzed Z-selective partial reduction of alkynyl amides to afford α,β-unsaturated amides using silane as the hydrogen donor is developed. A broad scope of alkynyl amides is accommodated, affording alkenyl amides with high stereoselectivity and excellent yields.