Silver(I)-Catalyzed Enyne Cyclization/Aromatization of Alkyne-Tethered Cyclohexadienones to Access Meta-Substituted Phenols

Org Lett. 2021 Jan 15;23(2):317-323. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.0c03819. Epub 2020 Dec 31.

Abstract

Herein we report a highly regioselective silver(I)-catalyzed intramolecular annulation of alkyne-tethered cyclohexadienones to access meta-substituted phenols with enone functionality, which are difficult to synthesize from conventional methods. The reaction proceeds via intramolecular 1,6-enyne cyclization followed by aromatization and subsequent oxetene ring rearrangement. This strategy has also been compatible with a wide range of C-tethered cyclohexadienones to afford indanes in high yields. The unique functionality of products allows further transformations to expand the diversity.