Pd-Catalyzed tandem C–C/C–O/C–H single bond cleavage of 3-allyloxybenzocyclobutenols

Abstract

A Pd-catalyzed skeletal rearrangement of 3-allyloxybenzocyclobutenols was achieved, which involved successive proximal C–C bond cleavage, C–O bond cleavage and C–H bond allylic substitution. This methodology offered a novel approach to meta-β-keto phenols bearing an allylic group. Sequential proximal or distal C–C bond cleavage/deallylation was also realized by tuning substituents on different positions of benzocyclobutenols.