4‐Aminobenzotriazole (ABTA) Directed Palladium‐Catalyzed Cascade Reaction for Synthesis of Benzofulvenes Through C−H Bond Activation Involving Inner Alkynes

A route for the construction of benzofulvenes derivatives through 4‐Aminobenzotriazole (ABTA) directed Pd‐catalyzed cascade reactions of amides with inner alkynes was developed. This method afforded a diverse array of benzofulvene derivatives in yields ranging from 34% to 91%. The control experiments indicated that the substrate reacts with alkynes in tandem to synthesize 1,3‐diene intermediates, and ultimately 1,3‐diene underwent intramolecular cyclization to produce benzofulvene derivatives. Furthermore, the directing group can be removed.