Arylative double bond transposition of allylic alcohols via silicon-tethered intramolecular benzyne–ene reactions

Abstract

Silicon-tethered intramolecular benzyne–ene reactions provide an efficient strategy for converting allylic alcohols into aryl-substituted homoallylic alcohol derivatives. This approach utilizes a traceless silicon tether that enables precise regio- and stereocontrol while accommodating a broad range of substrates. The silicon tether not only directs the reaction pathway but also facilitates downstream modifications, including selective Si–O bond cleavage, oxidation, and cross-coupling. Our methodology exhibits a broad substrate scope with excellent regio- and diastereoselectivity, also enabling γ-arylation and unique cyclopropanation processes with certain classes of substrates.