Mapping the Interactions of I2, I., I−, and I+ with Alkynes and Their Roles in Iodocyclizations

A combination of experiment and theory has been used to explore the mechanisms by which molecular iodine (I₂) and iodonium ions (I⁺) activate alkynes towards iodocyclization. Also included in the analysis are the roles of atomic iodine (I ^. ) and iodide ion (I^?) in mediating the competing addition of I₂ to the alkyne. These studies show that I₂ forms a bridged I₂–alkyne complex, in which both alkyne carbons are activated towards nucleophilic attack, even for quite polarized alkynes. By contrast, I⁺ gives unsymmetrical, open iodovinyl cations, in which only one carbon is activated toward nucleophilic attack, especially for polarized alkynes. Addition of I₂ to alkynes competes with iodocyclization, but is reversible. This fact, together with the capacity of I₂ to activate both alkyne carbons towards nucleophilic attack, makes I₂ the reagent of choice (superior to iodonium reagents) for iodocyclizations of resistant substrates. The differences in the nature of the activated intermediate formed with I₂ versus I⁺ can also be exploited to accomplish reagent‐controlled 5‐exo/6‐endo‐divergent iodocyclizations.