Rh(I)-catalyzed decarbonylation of diynones via C-C activation: orthogonal synthesis of conjugated diynes.

Utilization of C-C bond activation as a unique mode of reactivity for constructing C-C bonds provides new strategies for preparing important organic molecules. Development of a Rh(I)-catalyzed C-C activation of diynones to synthesize symmetrical and unsymmetrical conjugated diynes through decarbonylation is reported. This C-C cleavage strategy takes advantage of the innate reactivity of conjugated ynones without relying on any ring strain or auxiliary directing group. This alkynation method also has orthogonal properties compared to typical cross-coupling reactions.