Selective synthesis of fluoroalkyl-containing multisubstituted benzenes through Co-mediated [2+2+2] cycloaddition reaction with fluoroalkylated alkynes

•Fluoroalkylated alkynes underwent a smooth Co-mediated [2+2+2] cycloaddition reaction.•This reaction gave monofluoroalkylated multisubstituted benzenes as a sole product.•Various fluoroalkylated alkynes could be successfully applied for this reaction.

The reaction of various fluoroalkylated alkynes with 1.2 equiv of Co2(CO)8 in toluene at room temperature for 30 min took place smoothly to give the corresponding alkyne–cobalt complex quantitatively. Without its purification, treatment of the in situ-generated complex with 6.0 equiv of various nonfluorinated alkynes at 130 °C for 4 h provided monofluoroalkylated multisubstituted benzenes in moderate to good yields.

Graphical abstractFluoroalkylated and nonfluoroalkylated alkynes underwent a smooth Co2(CO)8-mediated [2+2+2] cycloaddition reaction. This [2+2+2] cycloaddition reaction gave monofluoroalkylated multisubstituted benzenes as a sole product in moderate to good yields. Various fluoroalkylated alkynes could be successfully applied for this reaction.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide