Cyclization of benzyne-tethered alkyllithiums: Preparation of 3-substituted benzocyclobutenes and 5-substituted tetralins

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(99)01434-3

A five-step, one-pot preparation of isomerically pure 3-substituted benzocyclobutenes or 5-substituted tetralins in 20-40% yield from the appropriate α-(2-fluorophenyl)-ω-iodoalkane, involving generation and subsequent 4-or 6-exo cyclization of a benzyne-tethered alkyllithium, is described.