Rhodium-Catalyzed Complete Regioselective Intermolecular Cross-Cyclotrimerization of Aryl Ethynyl Ethers and Nitriles or Isocyanates at Room Temperature

We have established that a cationic rhodium(I)/H-8-BINAP complex catalyzes the complete regloselective intermolecular cross-cyclotrimerization of aryl ethynyl ethers and nitriles or isocyanates leading to 2,4-diaryloxypyridines or 4,6-diaryloxy-2-pyridones at room temperature.