Cu-Catalyzed Chemodivergent, Stereoselective Propargylic Dearomatization and Etherification of 2-Naphthols

Abstract

The first stereoselective propargylic dearomatization of 2-naphthol derivatives is reported using a chiral Cu^II-<b>L10</b> complex. The reaction shows chemodivergent reactivity and produced propargyl dearomatization and etherification product for differently substituted 2-naphthols. Both the reactions generate the desired products in high yields with excellent chemo- and stereoselectivities (up to 99% ee, dr = 9:1) by using only 2 mol % catalyst loading. Dearomatization products contain a contiguous all-carbon quaternary-tertiary stereocenter and a terminal alkyne functionality.