Efficient and regioselective nickel-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cyclotrimerization of ynoates and related alkynes.

A nickel-based catalytic system has been developed for [2 + 2 + 2] cyclotrimerization of various alkynes, especially ynoates. This catalytic system enables facile construction of substituted aromatic compounds in excellent yields with high regioselectivity.