Rh-Catalyzed Decarbonylation of Conjugated ynones via Carbon-Alkyne Bond Activation: Reaction Scope and Mechanistic Exploration via DFT Calculations

In this full article, detailed development of a catalytic decarbonylation of conjugated monoynones to synthesize disubstituted alkynes is described. The reaction scope and limitation has been thoroughly investigated, and a broad range of functional groups including heterocycles were compatible under the catalytic conditions. Mechanistic exploration via DFT calculations has also been executed. Through the computational study, a proposed catalytic mechanism has been carefully evaluated. These efforts are expected to serve as an important exploratory study for developing catalytic alkyne-transfer reactions via carbon-alkyne bond activation.