Based on recent findings on the stoichiometric reactivity of the complex RuH2Cl2(PiPr3)2 with allenes, we have demonstrated this catalyst, which has previously gone unnoticed in catalytic applications, can effectively promote a (2+2) intramolecular cycloaddition between allenes and simple alkenes or dienes. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions and is fully diastereoselective, providing a practical entry to a variety of bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane skeletons featuring cyclobutane rings.

Ruthenium-catalyzed (2+2) intramolecular cycloaddition of allenenes

244th National Meeting (2012)

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