One-pot synthesis of benzolactones and lactams via a cobalt-catalyzed regioselective [2 + 2 + 2] cocyclotrimerization of alkynyl alcohols and amines with propiolates

An efficient method for the synthesis of benzolactones and benzolactams via a cobalt-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cocyclotrimerization of alkynyl alcohols and alkynyl amines with propiolates is described.