In order to make the catalysts, the pre-complex is treated with CuCl and the isopropoxystyrene ligand.

The isopropoxystyrene ligand is prepared using an ortho-vinylation of the phenol with ethyne, using conditions first proposed by Masahiko Yamaguchi in 1998.
Here, SnCl₄ and Bu₃N were added to ethyne to generate stannylacetylene, which is the active vinylating species in this C–C bond formation.
After coupling, the phenol can be alkylated using i-PrBr and a base.
In order to make the catalysts, the pre-complex is treated with CuCl and the isopropoxystyrene ligand.
The isopropoxystyrene ligand is prepared using an ortho-vinylation of the phenol with ethyne, using conditions first proposed by Masahiko Yamaguchi in 1998. Here, SnCl₄ and Bu₃N were added to ethyne to generate stannylacetylene, which is the active vinylating species in this C–C bond formation. After coupling, the phenol can be alkylated using i-PrBr and a base.
Zhan catalyst