Alkyne trimerisation

An alkyne trimerisation is a [2+2+2] cycloaddition reaction in which three alkyne units (C≡C) react to form a benzene ring. The reaction requires a metal catalyst. The process is of historic interest as well as being applicable to organic synthesis. Being a cycloaddition reaction, it has high atom economy. Many variations have been developed, including cyclisation of mixtures of alkynes and alkenes as well as alkynes and nitriles.