Cu(I)-catalyzed domino reaction of 3-cyclopropylideneprop-2-en-1-ones

J Org Chem. 2013 Mar 15;78(6):2687-92. doi: 10.1021/jo302312y. Epub 2013 Feb 26.

Abstract

CuCl-catalyzed cyclization-dimerization reactions of 3-cyclopropylideneprop-2-en-1-ones provide an interesting route to benzofuran-7(3aH)-one derivatives with one highly strained three-membered ring and one four-membered ring via intramolecular cycloisomerization, sequential bimolecular [4 + 2] cycloaddition, opening of the oxa-bridge, and ring contraction. Furthermore, the reaction was monitored by NMR experiments to unveil some key intermediates.