A nickel(0) catalyzed cycloaddition of alkynes and isocyanates that affords pyrimidine-diones

A Ni/N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed cycloaddition of one alkyne and two isocyanates that affords pyrimidine-dione is described. The key to the success of this protocol is the use of unsymmetrically substituted alkynes that favors the formation of pyrimidine-diones over pyridones. A variety of pyrimidine-diones were prepared. A one-pot cycloaddition and Stille coupling were reported for tributyl(1-propynyl)tin. Competition studies also provide insights into the mechanism of the cycloaddition.