Cyclization reactions of 2-alkynylbenzyl alcohol and 2-alkynylbenzylamine derivatives promoted by tetrabutylammonium fluoride

The regioselectivity of the cyclization reaction of 2-ethynylbenzyl alcohol and 2-ethynylbenzylamine derivatives promoted by TBAF was investigated. Six-membered ring derivatives were obtained from the compounds, which have a butyl group on the triple bond. Whereas five-membered ring products were afforded from the substrates having hydrogen or aromatic substituents on the acetylene moiety. It was also concluded that both the tetrabutylammonium cation and fluoride anion were essential for the cyclization. Thus, the actual mechanism and catalytic cycle were also suggested.