Rhodium-catalyzed [(3+2)+1] carbocyclization reactions of alkynylidenecyclopropanes with carbon monoxide: regiospecific construction of polysubstituted phenols.

The development of the rhodium-catalyzed [(3+2)+1] carbocyclization reaction of alkynylidenecyclopropanes with carbon monoxide to construct polysubstituted phenols is described. This work offers a convenient method for the selective formation of tetra- and pentasubstituted phenols, which provide important intermediates for target directed synthesis. Finally, the ability to regiospecifically functionalize the phenols using conventional methods further illustrates the utility of this process.