Novel [6]- and [7]Helicene-Like Quinones via Mono- and Bidirectional Chromium-Templated Benzannulation of Bridged Binaphthyl Carbene Complexes

A new organometallic approach to novel, functionalised, helicene-like quinones and bisquinones has been developed based on the chromium-templated [3+2+1] benzannulation reaction. The [5]helicene-analogous monocarbene chromium complexes 4, 5, 17 and 19, derived from dibromo-substituted methylene- or silylene-tethered binaphthols 2 and 3, react with various alkynes to give [6]helicene-like quinones 6–13 and 20–29 after oxidative work-up. A rare competition of angular vs. linear annulation is observed for the incorporation of phenylacetylene that affords quinones 21/22 and 28/29. Protection of the phenolic benzannulation product with camphanic acid chloride 14, followed by chromatographic sepa…