Cobalt-catalyzed cyclotrimerization of diynes with norbornenes in one efficient step

An efficient cobalt-catalyzed [2+2+2] cyclotrimerization of diynes and norbornene is described. Treatment of diyne with norbornene in the presence of CoI2(PPh3)2 and zinc powder in 1,2-dichloroethane at 80 °C for 12 h afforded [2+2+2] cyclotrimerization adduct exclusively in good yields. These cobalt-catalyzed results are in contrast to the ruthenium-catalyzed reaction of diyne with norbornene reported previously.