Synthesis of Secondary Enamides by Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Selective Addition of Amides to Terminal Alkynes

Enamides made easy: A catalyst system generated in situ using bis(2-methallyl)(cycloocta-1,5-diene)ruthenium(II), 1,4-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)butane, and ytterbium triflate efficiently catalyzes the addition of primary amides to terminal alkynes, selectively forming the Z-anti-Markovnikov enamides. The E isomers are also accessible by combining the hydroamidation with an in situ double-bond isomerization reaction. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as "Supporting Information". Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.