Cycloisomerization of Aromatic Homo- and Bis-homopropargylic Alcohols via Catalytic Ru Vinylidenes: Formation of Benzofurans and Isochromenes

Ru-catalyzed cycloisomerizations of aromatic homo- and bis-homopropargylic alcohols effectively afford benzofurans and isochromenes. These processes proved to be chemo- and regioselective (5-, and 6-endo cyclizations) derived from key Ru vinylidene intermediates. The presence of an amine/ammonium base-acid pair is crucial for the catalytic cycle.