Synthesis of Multiply Substituted Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Iridium-Catalyzed Annulation of Ring-Fused Benzocyclobutenol with Alkyne through C-C Bond Cleavage

The first iridium-catalyzed intermolecular cyclization between alkynes and ring-fused benzocyclobutenols (RBCB) through C-C bond cleavage is described. A variety of elusive polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with multiple substituents are obtained in good yields under mild conditions. This procedure provides a unique and expeditious tool for the synthesis of PAHs.