Unexpected Thermal Benzannulation of 1,3,5-Metallahexatrienes:  Synthesis of <i>o</i>-Alkoxyphenol-Containing Polycycles

Abstract

A new synthesis of o -methoxyphenol-containing polycyclic systems is described. Cyclobutene-containing 1,3,5-metallahexatrienes, obtained by [2 + 2] cycloaddition of cyclic enol ethers and chromium or tungsten alkynyl carbene complexes, undergo unexpected thermal benzannulation to provide access to a wide range of o -methoxy-substituted aromatic alcohols.