Synthesis of 2,5-diethynyl substituted oxepins from trans-1,4-diethynylcyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-diols

Reaction of trans-1,4-bis(trimethylsilylethynyl)cyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-diol with n-BuLi followed by methanesulfonyl chloride resulted in the formation of a dark red solid, which was identified as 2,5-bis(trimethylsilylethynyl)oxepin. Deprotection of the silyl groups resulted in the formation of 2,5-diethynyloxepin, a red, shock sensitive solid. Reaction of a differentially substituted cyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-diol gave a mixture of 2,5-diethynyl substituted oxepins.