ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

An efficient route to highly functionalized benzene derivatives by rhodium-catalyzed dimerization of diynes

Fen Xu, Yuan-Yuan Song, Wei-Fen Kang, Hui Cui, Qian-Nan Mu, and Yan-Yu Meng

Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China

E-mail: fenxu_zzuli@163.com

Abstract: An intermolecular efficient dimerization of diynes via Rh-catalyzed cycloaddition is presented. This protocol allows for the expedient synthesis of structurally diverse benzene derivatives, which retain an alkyne unit for post-functionalization to realize molecules with potential medicinal value and extended molecular complexity. The transformation is carried out in toluene and employs Rh(COD)₂OTf₃ as the metal source. Diversely decorated diynes tethered by nitrogen atom and ester were compatible with these conditions and furnished substituted benzenes with excellent selectivity.

Keywords: Transition metal ; Catalysis ; Diynes ; Dimerization ; Benzenes 

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-018-0391-0

Chemical Papers 72 (6) 1363–1368 (2018)