Abstract
A new mild procedure has been developed for the synthesis of cis β-bromostyrene analogs with complete Z/E selectivity and good to excellent yields (58.4 - 90.9%). The process involves carboxyl-halo-elimination of cinnamic acid dibromides by using triethylamine in N,N-dimethylformamide at room temperature. A one-pot procedure has also been described for the direct transformation of cinnamic acids to β-bromostyrenes.