Synthesis of alkylidenephthalans through fluoride-induced cyclization of electron-deficient 2-siloxymethylphenylacetylene derivatives

Fluoride-based deprotection of silylated 2-alkynylbenzyl alcohol derivatives featuring carbonyl-substituted alkynes results in the direct synthesis of alkylidenephthalan vinylogous esters. The reaction is selective for the Z alkylidenephthalans in a thermodynamically controlled process. Similar compounds are also produced in the coupling of Fischer carbene complexes with 2-alkynylbenzoyl derivatives in an aqueous solvent system. Subsequent acid-catalyzed inter- or intramolecular Diels-Alder reactions lead to hydronaphthalene or hydrophenanthrene derivatives.