Computational predictions of substituted benzyne and indolyne regioselectivities

Abstract

A computational study using DFT methods was performed for an array of mono and disubstituted benzynes and indolynes. The inherent distortion present in the geometry-optimized structures gives a prediction of the regioselectivity of aryne trapping by nucleophiles or cycloaddition partners. These studies will serve to enable the further use of unsymmetrical arynes in organic synthesis.