A new two-step four-component synthesis of highly functionalized cyclohexenols by sequential nickel-catalyzed couplings

A new two-step procedure for the synthesis of cyclohexenols has been developed. A nickel-catalyzed three-component addition of an enal, alkyne, and acetylenic tin affords substituted hept-4-en-6-ynals. The products of this first step then undergo a second nickel-catalyzed reaction with organozincs or organoboranes to afford densely functionalized cyclohexenols. Variation in each of the four components is tolerated to provide access to a wide range of versatile building blocks.