Pd-Catalyzed Oxidative Annulation of Aryl Ethers with Alkynes: Synthesis of Functionalized Spirocycles and Naphthalenes

Org Lett. 2020 Apr 17;22(8):3200-3204. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.0c00970. Epub 2020 Apr 8.

Abstract

Palladium-catalyzed dearomative [2+2+1] annulations of aryl ethers with alkynes are reported via para-selective C-H functionalization, providing highly functionalized spirocyclohexadienones in moderate to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions. Importantly, mechanistic investigation indicated an unusual C-O bond cleavage was involved. Moreover, polyarylated naphthalenes could be obtained via oxidative [2+2+2] annulation by tuning aryl ethers from monomethoxybenzenes to polymethoxybenzenes under an identical catalytic system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't