Activation of alkynes by the dinitrogen complex [CoH(N2)(PPh 3)3] towards catalytic oligomerization and cyclization reactions

Abstract

The complex [CoH(N2)(PPh 3)3] catalyses oligomerization and cyclization reactions of alkynes under mild conditions. Hence, alkyne cocyclotrimerization to benzene derivatives was mainly observed for ethyl propiolate, affording the three possible isomers of tricarbethoxybenzene; phenylacetylene undergoes mainly linear dimerization totrans-PhC≡CCH=CHPh and trimerization; linear dimers are also the predominant products from 3-hexyne, but 1-octyne (with a long chain) undergoes mainly isomerization to 2-octyne; higher oligomers are also usually formed. Except for ethyl propiolate, hydrogenated dimers are detected in low yields (e.g.trans,trans-PhCH=CHCH=CHPh from phenylacetylene), whereas 3-hexene is formed in considerable yield from 3-hexyne. A novel type of cocyclization reaction with a nitrile (NCMe) appears to occur with phenylacetylene to give (although in low yield) 4,6-dimethyl-5-phenyl-pyrimidine. Alkynols are unreactive under the chosen conditions.