Synthesis of of sterically encumbered biaryls based on a ‘copper(I)-catalyzed arylation/[3+3] cyclocondensation’ strategy

Sterically encumbered biaryls are prepared in two steps by combination of the CuI–proline-catalyzed arylation of acetylacetone with formal [3+3] cyclizations of 1,3-bis(trimethylsilyloxy)-1,3-dienes. In addition, the synthesis of 4,6- and 5,6-diarylsalicylates based on [3+3] cyclizations is reported.