Boosting Co‐Catalyzed [2+2+2]‐Cyclotrimerizations Through Strong π‐Acceptor Ligands

α‐Cationic phosphine ligands are strong π‐acceptors that significantly enhance the electrophilicity of transition‐metal centers. Herein, we demonstrate their effectiveness in cobalt‐catalyzed [2+2+2] cyclotrimerization of alkynes, enabling the efficient synthesis of trisubstituted benzenes under mild conditions. The use of these ligands leads to a marked increase in catalytic activity, allowing reactions to proceed at room temperature and with catalyst loadings as low as 2 mol%. Results obtained with two different α‐cationic phosphines, cyclopropenio‐ and pyridiniophosphine, suggest that enhanced π‐backdonation to the α‐cationic phosphine increases the electrophilicity of the cobalt center, thereby promoting cyclization. The methodology displays broad substrate scope and high regioselectivity, including challenging sterically hindered alkynes. These results highlight the potential of α‐cationic phosphines to boost the performance of earth‐abundant metal catalysts and advance sustainable catalytic strategies.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Synthesis & Catalysis
Published
2026-10-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adsc.70838
Primary Topic
Catalytic Alkyne Reactions
Type
article
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article

Boosting Co‐Catalyzed [2+2+2]‐Cyclotrimerizations Through Strong π‐Acceptor Ligands

María Cárcel, Carmen Ramı́rez de Arellano, Andrea Olmos, Diana Martinez-Gutierrez et al.
Advanced Synthesis & Catalysis
Catalytic Alkyne Reactions
article

Boosting Co‐Catalyzed [2+2+2]‐Cyclotrimerizations Through Strong π‐Acceptor Ligands

María Cárcel, Carmen Ramı́rez de Arellano, Andrea Olmos, Diana Martinez-Gutierrez, Jorge Herrera
article en

Abstract

α‐Cationic phosphine ligands are strong π‐acceptors that significantly enhance the electrophilicity of transition‐metal centers. Herein, we demonstrate their effectiveness in cobalt‐catalyzed [2+2+2] cyclotrimerization of alkynes, enabling the efficient synthesis of trisubstituted benzenes under mild conditions. The use of these ligands leads to a marked increase in catalytic activity, allowing reactions to proceed at room temperature and with catalyst loadings as low as 2 mol%. Results obtained with two different α‐cationic phosphines, cyclopropenio‐ and pyridiniophosphine, suggest that enhanced π‐backdonation to the α‐cationic phosphine increases the electrophilicity of the cobalt center, thereby promoting cyclization. The methodology displays broad substrate scope and high regioselectivity, including challenging sterically hindered alkynes. These results highlight the potential of α‐cationic phosphines to boost the performance of earth‐abundant metal catalysts and advance sustainable catalytic strategies.

Advanced Synthesis & CatalysisVol. 368(21)
Universitat de València (ES)
Openalex Percentile: Top 25%
Catalytic Alkyne Reactions
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