Copper-Catalyzed Propargylic Reduction with Diisobutylaluminum Hydride.

A mild and efficient method for the synthesis of allenes through selective copper-catalyzed hydride addition to propargylic chlorides using commercially available diisobutylaluminum hydride has been developed. This transformation, which is promoted by a readily accessible N-heterocyclic carbene-copper complex, provides a wide range of new and versatile functionalized allenes in good to excellent yields with high regio- and stereoselectivities.