Novel synthesis of acyloxyferrole complexes from alkynes and their conversion to cyclobutenediones

Abstract

Acyloxyferrole complexes are easily prepared by the reaction of alkynes and Fe3(CO)12/Et3N in THF, which upon reaction with Br2 in dichloromethane at -78°C give the corresponding cyclobutenediones in 60-90% yields. The acyloxyferrole complex prepared using diphenylacetylene and acetyl chloride was characterized by single-crystal X-ray analysis.