Exploring the Potential of Diarylacetylenediols as Hydrogen Bonding Catalysts

In the course of a search for new classes of hydrogen bonding catalysts, we have examined diarylacetylenediols as potential catalysts for the Diels–Alder reaction. General and efficient methods have been developed for the preparation of these diols. Their structures were systematically modified, and increased activity was observed for those possessing an electron-withdrawing group on the aryl groups. The electron-deficient diarylacetylenediol catalysts, while more active, undergo spontaneous cyclization to the corresponding benzo­[b]­furans. A mechanism is postulated to explain this facile transformation. Computational studies performed on 2-ethynylphenol help to explain the effect of the alkyne on the conformation and hydrogen bond donating ability of the adjacent OH group. Finally, the crystal structure of one of the diols is reported, and it displays an intricate network of intermolecular hydrogen bonds.