Three Component Reaction of Arynes with Cyclic Ethers and Active Methines: Synthesis of ω-Trichloroalkyl Phenyl Ethers

Synthesis of ω-chlorinated alkyl phenyl ethers by tandem reaction of arynes with cyclic ethers and active methines was achieved. Reaction of benzenediazonium 2-carboxylate with tetrahydropyran or tetrahydrofuran in refluxing chloroform afforded 6,6,6-trichlorohexyl phenyl ether or 5,5,5-trichloropentyl phenyl ether in 40% and 61% yields, respectively. When dichloroacetonitrile was used as a reactant, 5,5-dichloro-5-cyanopentyl phenyl ether was obtained in 61% yield. While benzenediazonium carboxylate did not react with epoxides, reaction of benzyne derived from 2-(trimethylsilyl)phenyl triflate with epoxides afforded 3,3,3-trichloropropyl phenyl ethers in good yields as isomeric mixtures. The reaction of oxetanes with benzyne was also reported.