Access to macrocyclic endocyclic and exocyclic allylic alcohols by nickel-catalyzed reductive cyclization of ynals

Abstract

Ni-catalyzed reductive macrocyclizations of ynals are reported. Disubstituted alkynes afford either endocyclic or exocyclic allylic alcohols depending on the ligand. Phosphine ligands favor the formation of endocyclic olefins, whereas N-heterocyclic carbene ligands favor the formation of exocyclic olefins. Terminal alkynes provide 1,2-disubstituted olefins with N-heterocyclic carbene ligands.