Phenols were vinylated at the ortho-position with ethyne in the presen
ce of SnCl4-Bu3N reagent. The reaction was applicable to phenols posse
ssing either electron-donating or electron-withdrawing groups. 2,6-Div
inylphenols were synthesized under modified conditions. A reaction mec
hanism involving carbostannylation of alkynyltin and phenoxytin was di
scussed.