The Bergman reaction as a synthetic tool: advantages and restrictions

The Bergman cycloaromatization reaction efficiently converts easily prepared acyclic enediynes into aromatic rings. In order to prepare larger, functionalized fused aromatic systems using this reaction, a thorough understanding of how functionalization affects cycloaromatization is necessary. We present here our studies on the influence of substituents at three different functionalization sites on cycloaromatization, and how these functional groups can be tailored to prepare more complex systems.