Intermolecular cyclotrimerization of haloketoalkynes and internal alkynes: facile access to arenes and phthalides
1Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.
Abstract:
A highly chemo- and regioselective cyclo(co)trimerization between 3-halopropiolamides and symmetrical internal alkynes is reported. The reaction is catalyzed by CpRuCl(COD) and proceeds under air at ambient temperature in ethanol with no additional precautions. Iodo-, bromo-, and chloropropiolamides, esters, and ketones are viable coupling partners and, in a 2 : 1 stoichiometry relative to internal alkyne, yield fully-substituted arenes in a single step. The highest regioselectivities (96% single isomer) were observed when employing 2° and 3°-halopropiolamides. A mechanistic hypothesis accounting for this selectivity is proposed. Notably, by using 1,4-butynediol as the internal alkyne, in situ lactonization following [2+2+2]-cycloaddition generates therapeutically-relevant phthalide pharmacophores directly.
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