Regioselective Synthesis of Substituted Naphthalenes: A Novel de Novo Approach Based on a Metal-Free Protocol for Stepwise Cycloaddition of <i>o-</i>Alkynylbenzaldehyde Derivatives with Either Alkynes or Alkenes

Abstract

[reaction: see text]. Iodonium ions, o-alkynyl-substituted carbonyl compounds, and alkynes react to give 1-iodonaphthalene derivatives featuring interesting substitution patterns. The reaction with alkenes instead of acetylenes affords related naphthyl ketone derivatives. These two metal-free processes are conducted at room temperature and furnish products in a regioselective manner.