Thermal and Au(I)‐Catalyzed Intramolecular [4 + 2] Cycloaddition of Aryl‐Substituted 1,6‐Diynes for the Synthesis of Biaryl Compounds.

Abstract

1,6-Diynes, possessing aryl groups on their termini, undergo an intramolecular [4+2] cycloaddition via strained cyclic allene intermediates to give various biaryl compounds. Under thermal conditions, isomerization of the intermediates occurs, while, in the presence of a cationic gold catalyst, skeletal rearrangement is a major pathway.