Transition-metal-promoted 6-endo-dig cyclization of aromatic enynes: rapid synthesis of functionalized naphthalenes

Transition-metal-mediated cyclization of aromatic enynes provides high yields of substituted naphthalene compounds. The reaction can tolerate a wide range of substituents on both the olefin and the alkyne. The most useful catalysts were found to be [Rh(CO)2Cl]2, PdCl2 and PtCl2. In addition, a facile silyl migration occurs when the acetylene is substituted with a triorganosilyl group affording 4-silyl-naphthalenes.