Nickel-Catalyzed Intramolecular [3 + 2 + 2] Cycloadditions of Alkylidenecyclopropanes. A Straightforward Entry to Fused 6,7,5-Tricyclic Systems

A highly diastereo- and chemoselective intramolecular nickel-catalyzed cycloaddition of alkene- and alkyne-tethered alkynylidenecyclopropanes is reported. The method constitutes the first fully intramolecular [3 + 2 + 2] alkylidenecyclopropropane cycloaddition occurring via a proximal cleavage of the cyclopropane and makes it possible to build relevant 6,7,5-tricyclic frameworks in a single-pot reaction. Importantly, the reaction outcome is highly dependent on the characteristics of the nickel ligands.