Synthesis of α-pyrones by catalytic oxidative coupling of terminal alkynes and carbon dioxide

The use of the complex [(dippe)Ni(mu-H)](2) (1) as a catalyst precursor (10 mol%) in the presence of a variety of terminal alkynes and CO2 allowed the production of substituted alpha-pyrones. This reaction occurs using relatively mild conditions (50 degrees C, 150 psi of CO2) with good to modest yields, depending on the nature of the substituents in the corresponding alkyne. The produced alpha-pyrones were characterized by different analytical methods and spectroscopic techniques. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.