Steric buttressing in the Pauson-Khand reactions of aryl enynes

A variety of aryl enynes have been constructed from o-iodophenol derivatives containing ortho-tert-butyl groups via O-alkylation and a Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction. These substrates undergo efficient thermal and oxidative intramolecular Pauson-Khand reactions leading to the formation of sterically congested cyclopentenones, as well as the formation of medium-sized rings, although in the latter case with unusual regioselectivity. Incorporation of a TMS moiety on the alkyne group in a higher homolog led to cyclization via the normal mode, albeit in relatively low yield.

The incorporation of steric buttressing elements in aryl enynes permits the construction of congested cycloadducts and medium-sized rings.