Nickel‐Catalyzed Chemo‐, Regio‐ and Diastereoselective Bond Formation through Proximal CC Cleavage of Benzocyclobutenones

Abstract

The first catalytic intermolecular proximal C1-C2 cleavage of benzocyclobutenones (BCB) without prior carbonyl activation or employing noble metals has been developed. This protocol operates at room temperature and is characterized by an exquisite chemo-, regio- and diastereoselectivity profile, constituting a unique platform for preparing an array of elusive carbocyclic skeletons.