A Rh(iii)-catalyzed regioselective intermolecular oxa-Pauson–Khand reaction of alkynes, arylboronic acids and CO to form butenolides

Abstract

A Rh(III)-catalyzed regioselective intermolecular oxa-Pauson–Khand reaction of arylboronic acids, alkynes and CO for the synthesis of butenolides has been developed. The multi-step reaction proceeded smoothly in the presence of [RhCp*Cl₂]₂ catalyst, NaOAc base and CH₃OH additive. The reaction used readily available starting materials, tolerated various functional groups, and afforded valuable butenolides in good yields with high regioselectivity.