Reaction of allenylmagnesium and allenylindium bromides with nitrile oxides: synthesis of novel 5-butynyl- and 5-methylisoxazoles

5-Butynylisoxazoles were obtained in high yields through a domino addition, C–O heterocyclization involving allenylmagnesium bromide and benzonitrile oxide in dry THF, in which the corresponding 5-methylisoxazoles were isolated in trace amounts. However, when the reactions were attempted in aqueous media using allenylindium bromide, 5-methylisoxazoles were formed as the sole products in high yields.