Unraveling the Straightforward Synthesis of Highly Functionalized m-Terphenyls via [4 + 2] Annulations of Ynones and α,α-Dicyanoalkenes

A base-mediated [4 + 2] annulation for the construction of highly functionalized arenes has been achieved via intramolecular rearrangement followed by ring cyclization. This efficient approach provides access to substituted m-terphenyls by employing ynones and α,α-dicyanoalkenes in the presence of a base under mild conditions. This is a convenient and practical strategy for the synthesis of various substituted m-terphenyls with a broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance.