Enhanced reactivity of electron-deficient enynes in the palladium-catalyzed homo-benzannulation of conjugated enynes

ABSTRACT

We report the high reactivity of electron-deficient enynes in the homo-benzannulation of conjugated enynes in the presence of Pd(PPh3)4. The introduction of electron-withdrawing groups enabled us to carry out the benzannulation of 1-substituted enynes as well as 1,2- and 2,4-disubstituted enynes. Polysubstituted benzenes were prepared in a highly regioselective manner in good to excellent yields.