Cyclization of Terminal Diynes Catalyzed by Thiolate-Bridged Diruthenium Complexes: A Simple Synthetic Route toendo-Macrocyclic (Z)-1-En-3-ynes

Abstract

The thiolate-bridged diruthenium complexes [Cp*RuCl(μ2-SR)2RuCp*Cl] (Cp*=η5-C5Me5; R=Me, Et, nPr) have been found to be effective catalysts for the cyclization of α,ω-diynes to produce the corresponding endocyclic (Z)-1-en-3-ynes in moderate to high yields with complete stereoselectivities (see scheme).