A direct synthesis of [formula omitted] 2-arylbenzocyclobutenol, a potential intermediate for podophyllotoxin synthesis: Use of lda for benzyne formation and trapping

Abstract

Treatment of m -alkoxyaryl bromides with LDA in THF produces the corresponding aryne which can be trapped intramolecularly by an anion α to a nitrile to produce a substituted benzocyclobutenyl nitrile, the precursor of a trans arylbenzocyclobutenol potentially useful for podophyllotoxin synthesis.