Rhodium-catalyzed intramolecular hydroarylation of 1-halo-1-alkynes: regioselective synthesis of semihydrogenated aromatic heterocycles.

The regioselective intramolecular hydroarylation of (3-halo-2-propynyl)anilines, (3-halo-2-propynyl) aryl ethers, or (4-halo-3-butynyl) aryl ethers was efficiently catalyzed by Rh2(OCOCF3)4 to give semihydrogenated aromatic heterocycles, such as 4-halo-1,2-dihydroquinolines, 4-halo-3-chromenes, or 4-(halomethylene)chromans, in good to excellent yields. Some synthetic applications taking advantage of the halo-substituents of the products are also illustrated.