The first asymmetric nickel-catalyzed intramolecular reductive cyclization of alkynones is reported. A P-chiral monophosphine and triethylsilane were used as the ligand and the reducing reagent, respectively, to form a series of tertiary allylic alcohols bearing furan/pyran rings in excellent yields and enantioselectivities. This reaction has a broad substrate scope and enabled the efficient synthesis of dehydroxycubebin and chiral dibenzocyclooctadiene skeletons.
Keywords: P ligands; alkynones; asymmetric catalysis; cyclization; nickel.
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