Enantioselective synthesis of planar-chiral metacyclophanes through cationic Rh(I)/modified-BINAP-catalyzed inter- and intramolecular alkyne cyclotrimerizations

We have achieved the first catalytic enantioselective synthesis of planar-chiral metacyclophanes by means of cationic Rh(I)/(S)-xyl-H8-BINAP or (R)-H8-BINAP complex-catalyzed inter- and intramolecular alkyne cyclotrimerizations. This highly enantioselective catalysis represents a versatile new method for the preparation of planar-chiral metacyclophanes.