Rhodium-Catalyzed [(3+2)+1] Carbocyclization Reactions of Alky­nylidene­cyclo­propanes with Carbon Monoxide: Regiospecific Construction of Polysubstituted Phenols

The
development of the rhodium-catalyzed [(3+2)+1] carbocyclization
reaction of alky­nylidene­cyclo­propanes with carbon
monoxide to construct polysubstituted phenols is described. This work
offers a convenient method for the selective formation of tetra- and
pentasubstituted phenols, which provide important intermediates for
target directed synthesis. Finally, the ability to regiospecifically
functionalize the phenols using conventional methods further illustrates
the utility of this process.