Direct Synthesis of Napthalenes by Nickel-Catalyzed Cascade Cyclization of o-Vinyl Chlorobenzenes with Internal Alkynes

An efficient nickel-catalyzed arylnickelation of alkyne/Heck cyclization of challenging o-vinyl chlorobenzenes with internal alkynes has been developed. This protocol enables synthesis of a wide variety of substituted naphthalenes in a cascade process from readily available starting materials. Mechanistic studies indicate the radical pathway is not involved in the cascade catalytic system.

Automated summary

An efficient nickel-catalyzed arylnickelation/Heck cyclization reaction has been developed for the challenging synthesis of substituted naphthalenes from o-vinyl chlorobenzenes and internal alkynes. Mechanistic studies indicate that the radical pathway is not involved in this cascade catalytic system.