Palladium-Catalyzed Dialkylation of C-C Triple Bonds: Access to Multi-Functionalized Indenes.

A palladium-catalyzed dialkylation of 1,3-dien-5-ynes was developed using alkenyl double bonds as the initiator and terminator for the synthesis of functionalized indene derivatives. The reactions were performed under mild reaction conditions, affording the corresponding multi-substituted indene derivatives in high efficiency via unprecedented 5- endo cyclization and alkylation processes. It was found that the substituent location at the alkenyl double bond was essential for the chemoselective synthesis of the indene and naphthalene derivatives, respectively.