Synthesis of naphtho[b]cyclobutenes from 1,2-bis(3-propynol)benzenes

We have demonstrated that the reaction of benzene-bridged bis(propargyl alcohol)s with chlorodialkylphosphines exclusively afforded 3,8-bis(dialkylphosphinyl)naphtho[b]cyclobutenes via the [2+2] cycloaddition of 1,2-bis(α-phosphinylallenyl)benzenes. Dephosphinylation of the product has also been achieved.