Alkyne functionalization via metal vinylidene-mediated catalysis

ORGN 693

Chulbom Lee, cblee@princeton.edu, Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
Transition metal vinylidene complexes are well-documented organometallic species that are isomeric to metal pi-alkyne and alkynyl sigma-complexes. Due to the mechanistic novelty and potential for new reaction discovery, these metal-coordinated unsaturated carbenes have emerged as useful reactive intermediates for alkyne functionalization. For the past years, we have been interested in the development of new carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions that make use of alkynes as substrates by the intermediacy of metal vinylidene complexes. Presented here are the results of our investigations directed at the development of novel cyclization reactions for the formation of carbo- and heterocyclic compounds. The scope, mechanism, and utility of the new processes will be discussed.