Rh(i)-catalyzed CO gas-free cyclohydrocarbonylation of alkynes with formaldehyde to α,β-butenolides

Abstract

The rhodium(I)-catalyzed reaction of alkynes with formaldehyde proceeds via the double incorporation of a carbonyl moiety from formaldehyde, resulting in a CO gas-free cyclohydrocarbonylation leading to alpha,beta-butenolides.