Cyclization Reactions of Molybdenum and Chromium Carbene Complexes with 1,6- and 1,7-Enynes: Effect of Tether Length and Composition

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/ja00048a012

It has been observed that the reaction of 1,6- and 1,7-enynes with pentacarbonyl(butylmethoxycarbene)molybdenum(0) (18) produces vinylcyclopropanes in good to excellent yield.A systematic investigation into the factors which govern the success of these cyclizations has been performed.Chromium carbene complexes also lead to the formation of vinylcyclopropanes but in significantly lower yields.When the pathway to vinylcyclopropanes is not followed, a number of other distinct types of products are obtained.The pathways leading to these various products are discussed and compared.