4-Aminobenzotriazole (ABTA) Directed Palladium-Catalyzed Cascade Reaction for Synthesis of Benzofulvenes Through C-H Bond Activation Involving Inner Alkynes

A route for the construction of benzofulvenes derivatives through 4-Aminobenzotriazole (ABTA) directed Pd-catalyzed cascade reactions of amides with inner alkynes was developed. This method afforded a diverse array of benzofulvene derivatives in yields ranging from 34% to 91%. The control experiments indicated that the substrate reacts with alkynes in tandem to synthesize 1,3-diene intermediates, and ultimately 1,3-diene underwent intramolecular cyclization to produce benzofulvene derivatives. Furthermore, the directing group can be removed.