Nickel(0)-mediated [2+2+1] cyclization reaction of chromium carbene complexes and internal alkynes

Alkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl chromium Fischer carbene complexes undergo Ni(0)-mediated 2+2+1] cyclization reaction with internal unactivated and electron-poor internal alkynes to yield highly substituted cyclopentadienes with complete regioselectivity in most cases. The intramolecular version of this cyclization has been accomplished with 1,8-diphenyl-1,7-octadiyne to produce indene derivatives. This three-component 2+2+1] cyclization represents a very uncommon process in the chemistry of Fischer carbene complexes.