The preparation of 1,3,5-tris(1,1′-binaphthoyl)benzene via amine-catalyzed alkyne trimerization

Three 1,1′-bi-2-naphthol moieties have been positioned about a central aromatic ring by alkyne cyclotrimerization of an optically pure 3-substituted binaphthyl ethynyl ketone. The cyclotrimerization proceeds in good yield and with complete regioselectivity to afford a 1,3,5-substituted arene exclusively.