Ru(ii)-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of 1,2-bis(propiolyl)benzenes with monoalkynes leading to substituted anthraquinonesElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: experimental procedures and analytical data. See http://www.rsc.org/suppdata/cc/b3/b301762a/
[2 + 2 + 2] cycloadditions of 1,2-bis(propiolyl)benzenes with monoalkynes were effectively catalysed by Cp*RuCl(cod) under mild conditions to give substituted anthraquinones in moderate to high yields.