Synthesis 2013; 45(17): 2469-2473
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1338500
paper
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Phenylated Benzotetraphenes (Dibenzanthracenes) by Nickel-Catalyzed Diphenylacetylene Cycloadditions to Linear [3]Phenylenes

Zhenhua Gu
Department of Chemistry, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-1460, USA   Fax: +1(510)6435208   Email: kpcv@berkeley.edu
,
K. Peter C. Vollhardt*
Department of Chemistry, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-1460, USA   Fax: +1(510)6435208   Email: kpcv@berkeley.edu
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 01 May 2013

Accepted after revision: 04 June 2013

Publication Date:
24 June 2013 (online)


Abstract

Ni(COD)(PMe3)2 catalyzes the cycloaddition of diphenylacetylene to the four-membered rings of linear [3]phenylene and its 2,3,7,8-tetrakis(trimethylsilyl) derivative. The reaction proceeds via initial formation of the 5,6-diphenylbenzo[3,4]cyclobuta[1,2-b]phenanthrene frame, followed by a competitive second, nonregio­selective alkyne insertion to furnish the corresponding phenyl-­substituted benzo[k]- and -[m]tetraphenes.

Supporting Information