Modular Cyclopentenone Synthesis through the Catalytic Molecular Shuffling of Unsaturated Acid Chlorides and Alkynes

We describe a general strategy for the intermolecular synthesis of polysubstituted cyclopentenones using palladium catalysis. Overall, this reaction is achieved via a molecular shuffling process involving an alkyne, an α,β-unsaturated acid chloride, which serves as both the alkene and carbon monoxide source, and a hydrosilane to create three new C-C bonds. This new carbon monoxide-free pathway delivers the products with excellent yields. Furthermore, the regioselectivity is complementary to conventional methods for cyclopentenone synthesis. In addition, a set of regio- and chemodivergent reactions are presented to emphasize the synthetic potential of this novel strategy.