An Approach to Botrydianes: On the Steric Demands of a Metal Catalyzed Enyne Metathesis

The synthetic scope of a transition metal catalyzed enyne metathesis as a synthesis of 1-alkenylcycloalkenes is tested. Contrary to normal expectations based upon the important sensitivity of transition metal catalyzed reactions to steric effects, severe steric congestion enhances the effectiveness of the reaction. While palladium based catalysts are generally preferred, a platinum catalyst also effects these novel cyclorearrangements.