InCl3/CyNH2 cocatalyzed carbocyclization reaction: an entry to α-disubstituted exo-methylene cyclopentanes

J Org Chem. 2010 Dec 3;75(23):8322-5. doi: 10.1021/jo1018552. Epub 2010 Nov 5.

Abstract

An efficient and cheap synthetic approach to functionalized exo-methylene cyclopentanes has been developed from α-disubstituted formyl-alkynes by merging amine catalysis with the indium activation of alkynes. We uncovered the crucial role of the amine cocatalyst and the development of a new cooperative catalytic system allowed the cyclization of a broad range of substrates. A mechanistic study was realized in order to rationalize the determining influence of the amine cocatalyst.