Dual Activation Strategy to Achieve C−C Cleavage of Cyclobutanes: Development and Mechanism of Rh and Zn Co-catalyzed [4+2] Cycloaddition of Yne-Vinylcyclobutanones
Zhi-Xiang Yu reports on the [4+2] Cycloaddition of yne-vinylcyclobutanones using Rh/Zn co-catalysis.
Professor Zhi-Xiang Yu and his students from the College of Chemistry, Peking University (Beijing, P. R. of China) are interested in inventing ring formation reactions, also taking advantage of quantum chemistry calculations and experiments to study the mechanisms of these novel reactions. In addition, the Yu group has been endeavoring to apply these reactions in the synthesis of natural products and pharmaceuticals. So far, his group developed about a dozen ring formation reactions. Professor Yu explains that “among these, the [5+2+1], [3+2+1], and [5+1] cycloaddition reactions, and ene-diene cycloisomerization, have been used in the synthesis of natural products both by us, and by other groups as well.” The new [4+2] reaction of yne-vinylcyclobutanones presented in the current work is envisioned to become a powerful tool for synthetic chemists. The authors also believe that the use of a vinyl group to activate four-membered rings will inspire the development of more reactions via C–C cleavage chemistry.
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