Novel rhodium-catalyzed cyclic carbonylation of 2- phenylethynylbenzoates leading to indeno[1,2-c]isocoumarin

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(97)01067-8

Rhodium-catalyzed reaction of ethyl 2-phenylethynylbenzoate under watergas shift reaction conditions results in the formation of a tetracyclic lactone, indeno[1,2-c]isocoumarin, as a major product which is derived from bond fission of the ester group and