Transition‐Metal‐Free Synthesis of Electron Rich 1,3‐Dienes via Base Promoted Isomerization of Propargylic Ethers

Herein, a novel and scalable synthesis of electron rich 1,3‐dienes based on KOtBu mediated isomerization of propargylic ether derivatives was developed. This new process features easy handling reaction conditions, transition‐metal‐free isomerization, high isolated yields, and most of all, it could be used for modification of natural products at late stage functionalizations. An efficient and broadly applicable method for the construction of functionalized electron rich 1,3‐dienes through a base promoted isomerization reaction of propargylic ethers is presented. This process features easy handling reaction conditions, transition‐metal‐free isomerization, high isolated yields, and most of all, it could be used for late stage modification of natural products.