title: Rhodium-catalyzed [2+2+1+1] cyclocarbonylative coupling of alkynes with carbon monoxide affording tetrasubstituted p-benzoquinones.
abstract: In this strategy, the tetrasubstituted benzoquinones have been prepared directly by a [2+2+1+1] cyclocarbonylative coupling reaction of internal alkynes with CO in the presence of [RhCl(CO)2]2. The low concentration of CO in the reaction is the crucial point for the chemoselective formation of tetrasubstituted benzoquinones in good to high yields. Functional groups such as chloro, methoxy, cyano, vinyl, fluoro, and carboxylate are tolerated under the reaction conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Innovative Catalysis Program, Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Beijing 100084, China.
authors.forename: Qiufeng
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Ruimao
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hua