Convenient synthesis of spiro compounds by the insertion of alkynes into the Pd–C bond of cyclopalladated 2-benzylpyridine

Abstract

Insertion of one alkyne molecule into the Pd–C bond of ortho-palladated 2-benzylpyridine affords an eight-membered organometallic ring; the further insertion of a second alkyne leads to the quantitative formation of an unexpected spiro-compound which has been characterized by an X-ray diffraction study.