Molybdenum hexacarbonyl: air stable catalyst for microwave assisted intermolecular [2+2+2] co-trimerization involving propargyl halides

Intermolecular [2+2+2] cycloaddition of propargyl halides with 1,6-diynes was achieved with air stable, catalytic amount of Mo(CO)(6) and the benzyl halide derivatives were isolated in good yields. The reaction conditions were optimized and better yields were observed under microwave irradiation conditions using acetonitrile as a solvent. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.