Rh-catalyzed cyclization of diynes and enynes initiated by carbonyl-directed activation of aromatic and vinylic C-H bonds

Org Lett. 2007 Aug 2;9(16):3097-9. doi: 10.1021/ol0711669. Epub 2007 Jul 6.

Abstract

The Rh-catalyzed hydroarylative and hydrovinylative cyclization of diynes with aryl ketones or enones gave monocyclic 1,3-dienes. Enynes also underwent the same reaction and chiral products were obtained with high ee using a chiral Rh catalyst. Carbonyl-directed activation of aromatic and vinylic C-H bonds is likely the initial step in the present transformation.