An Unusual Example of a 6-Endo-Dig Addition to an Unactivated Carbon-Carbon Triple Bond

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo00122a047

Methyl 2-<2-<2-(1-hydroxy-1-ethyl)phenyl>ethynyl>benzoate was prepared as an intermediate for subsequent conversion to an α-diazo ketone.Under the basic conditions used to hydrolyze the methyl ester, the neighboring hydroxyl functionality underwent reaction with the unactivated acetylenic group, producing a benzopyranyl-substituted α-diazoacetophenone.Treatment of this diazocarbonyl compound with a catalytic quantity of rhodium(II) mandelate afforded a novel dibenzocyclononenone derivative.The reaction proceeds via an initially formed oxonium ylide which rearranges further by means of a 1,2-alkyl shift.A prime factor in determining the direction of internal cyclization to the triple bond is the presence of the carbomethoxy group in the ortho position of the β-phenyl ring.Thus, in contrast with related systems which exhibit a clear preference for 5-exo-dig cyclization at the acetylenic center, the 6-endo-dig addition is the preferred pathway for the o-formyl- and o-carbomethoxy-substituted alkynyl alcohols.Careful monitoring of the reaction actually showed that the reaction proceeds by initial formation of the 5-exo-dig product followed by a novel rearrangement to the 6-endo product.