Three-Bond Breaking of Cyclic Anhydrides: Easy Access to Polyfunctionalized Naphthalenes and Phenanthrenes

School of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Tehran, 14155-6455 Tehran, Iran
Org. Lett., Article ASAP
Publication Date (Web): July 25, 2013 (Letter)
DOI: 10.1021/ol401318v

Benzannulation of phthalic anhydrides with alkynes to polyfunctionalized naphthalenes and phenanthrenes was confirmed to be straightforward using a palladium catalytic system. Sequential liberation of CO2 and CO occurred via oxidative decomposition of anhydride. In the case of 1,8-naphthalenedicarboxylic anhydrides, both aryls were encompassed in the annulation reaction to afford acenaphthylenes.