Cobalt(iii)-catalyzed efficient synthesis of indenones through carboannulation of benzoates and alkynes

Abstract

Cobalt(III)-catalyzed C–H activation of simple benzoate esters has been achieved, and redox-neutral annulative coupling with internal alkynes allowed efficient synthesis of indenones. The employment of the weak and simple ester directing group makes it an attractive protocol in carbocycle synthesis.