Synthesis of Conjugated Triynes via Alkyne Metathesis

The synthesis of conjugated triynes by molybdenum-catalyzed alkyne metathesis is reported. Strategic to the success of this approach is the utilization of sterically-hindered diynes that allowed for the site- selective alkyne metathesis to produce the desired con- jugated triyne products. The steric hindrance of alkyne moiety was found to be crucial in preventing the for- mation of diyne byproducts. This novel synthetic strategy was amenable to self- and cross-metathesis providing straightforward access to the corresponding symmetrical and dissymmetrical triynes with high selectivity.