Ruthenium-Catalyzed [2+2] Cycloadditions of Alkynyl Sulfides and Alkynyl Sulfones

Abstract

Ruthenium-catalyzed [2+2] cycloadditions of bicyclic alkenes with alkynyl sulfides and alkynyl sulfones were investigated. The sulfide and sulfone moieties were found to be compatible with the Ru-catalyzed cycloadditions, giving the corresponding cyclobutene cycloadducts in good yields. The sulfonyl-containing cycloadducts can be transformed into a variety of products that are difficult to obtain via direct cycloaddition.