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Updated: Sep 30, 2025

Efficient Synthesis of Polyfunctionalized Benzenes in Water via Persulfate-promoted Benzannulation of α,β-Unsaturated Compounds and Alkynes
Published on: December 16, 2019
Rhodium-Catalyzed (4+1) Cycloaddition between Benzocyclobutenones and Styrene-Type Alkenes
Shusuke Ochi1, Zining Zhang1, Ying Xia1
1Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, 5735 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Abstract:
Herein, we describe a unique one-carbon ring-expansion strategy to access multi-substituted 2-indanones from benzocyclobutenones and styrene-type olefins. The use of a cationic "ligandless" rhodium catalyst was the key for both high reactivity and selectivity towards the (4+1) product. Broad functional group tolerance, a good substrate scope, and scalability have been demonstrated. Computation studies reveal that the origin of the (4+1) selectivity is due to a facile β-H elimination pathway that reduces the overall barrier of the turnover-limiting C-C reductive elimination step.
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