Abstract The nickel (or palladium) catalyzd reaction of alkenylalanes with (E)-di- chloroethylene affords 1-chloro-(E, E)-1, 3-dienes under mild conditions. The syntheses of methyl α-eleostearate which is reported to be a feeding deterrent for the boll weevil on cotton, and one of its isomers, methyl punicate, are described.