Ruthenium-Catalyzed Intramolecular Allene–alkyne Cascade Cyclization: Access to the Sulfone-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene Core

Abstract

A ruthenium-catalyzed intramolecular cascade cyclization of allene–alkyne has been achieved. This method offers a streamlined and atom-economical approach for the construction of sulfone bearing 1H-cyclopenta[a]naphthalenes, an important structural scaffold that exists in biologically active compounds. Our approach, backed by mechanistic insights from deuterium labeling, DFT calculations, and potential for reaction scale-up, presents synthetic chemists with an invaluable tool for efficiently producing a distinct carbon framework in a one-pot manner. This protocol is operationally simple, exhibiting a broad substrate scope with consistently high yields.