ZnCl2-catalyzed [4 + 2] benzannulation of 2-ethynylbenzaldehydes with alkynes: Selective synthesis of naphthalene derivatives

Zn-catalyzed [4 + 2] benzannulation of 2-ethynylbenzaldehydes with alkynes is described for the selective synthesis of naphthalene derivatives. In the presence of ZnCl2, a variety of 2-ethynylbenzaldehydes underwent the [4 + 2] benzannulation reactions with alkynes to selectively afford the corresponding naphthalene derivatives in moderate to good yields.