Intramolecular ipso-halocyclization of 4-(p-unsubstituted-aryl)-1-alkynes leading to spiro[4,5]trienones: scope, application, and mechanistic investigations

A new, general method for the synthesis of spiro4,5]trienones is described by the intramolecular ipso-halocyclization of 4-(p-unsubstituted-aryl)-1-alkynes. In the presence of halide electrophiles, a variety of 4-(p-unsubstituted-aryl)-1-alkynes underwent the intramolecular ipso-halocyclization with water smoothly, affording the corresponding halo-substituted spiro4,5]trienones in moderate to good yields. The obtained spiro4,5]trienones can be applied in constructing the azaquaternary tricyclic skeleton via Pd-catalyzed Heck reaction. Notably, the prepared spiro4,5]trienones and azaquaternary tricycles are of importance in the areas of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. The mechanism of the intramolecular ipso-halocyclization reaction is also discussed according to the (18)O-labeling experiments and DFT calculations.