Intermolecular σ-Bond Cross-Exchange Reaction between Cyclopropenones and (Benzo)silacyclobutanes: Straightforward Access towards Sila(benzo)cycloheptenones.

Described herein is the first intermolecular σ-bond exchange reaction between the C-C bond of cyclopropenones and C-Si bond of (benzo)silacyclobutanes and it proceeds smoothly by treatment with either 1 mol % of a palladium or 2 mol % of a nickel catalyst. This reaction constitutes an unprecedented route for the synthesis of various sila(benzo)suberones. And it is also the first example of a σ-bond exchange reaction involving cyclopropenones.