Enantioselective Synthesis of Axially Chiral Biaryls through Rhodium-Catalyzed Complete Intermolecular Cross-Cyclotrimerization of Internal Alkynes

We have developed a cationic rhodium(I)/H8-BINAP complex-catalyzed complete intermolecular cross-cyclotrimerization of internal alkynes with dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates. This reaction was successfully applied to enantioselective synthesis of axially chiral biaryls utilizing internal alkynes bearing ortho-substituted phenyl and acetoxymethyl in each terminal position. The axial chirality is constructed at the formation of benzene rings with high enantioselectivity (up to 96% ee).