AbstractIn this paper, ynolate-initiated cycloaddition (annulation) to form a range of carbocycles and heterocycles is described. Ynolates consist of a ketene anion equivalent, which contains both nucleophilic and electrophilic moieties, and a carbodianion equivalent that achieves double addition. Hence, in addition to the usual [n+2] cycloaddition, ynolates can perform formal [n+1]-type annulations. Their high-energy performance has been demonstrated by their triple addition to arynes to generate triptycenes, in which the C–C triple bond of ynolates is cleaved. The synthetic applications of these methods, including natural products synthesis, are also described.1 Introduction2 Preparation of Ynolates2.1 Double Lithiation2.2 Flow Synthesis2.3 Double Deprotonation3 [2+2] Cycloaddition to C=O Bond3.1 To Aldehydes and Ketones3.2 Sequential Cycloaddition4 [2+2] Cycloaddition to Imino Groups
