Catalytic synthesis of seven-membered carbocycles via ring expansion of cyclic β-ketoesters

Abstract

A catalytic method affording seven-membered carbon rings via two-carbon expansion of five-membered β-ketoesters has been developed. This method tolerates various alkynyl 1,2-diketones, common ynones, and alkynyl ketoesters, and affords the corresponding products with multiple functional groups under mild and environmentally benign conditions.