Formation of 3-Halobenzyne: Solvent Effects and Cycloaddition Adducts

Abstract

Noncoordinating solvents permit the halogen-metal exchange-induced formation of benzyne (aryne) from di- and trihalobenzene precursors in the presence of cyclopentadiene to give 1,4-dihydro-1,4-methano-naphthalenes. Studies with mixed halide precursors and nonacidic Diels-Alder diene traps reveal that ethereal and hydrocarbon solvents influence the halide leaving group facility, resulting in a reversal of 3-halobenzyne regioselectivity.