Low-valent dialkoxytitanium(II): a useful tool for the synthesis of functionalized seven-membered ring compounds.

Herein, we describe unprecedented access to all-carbon or heterocyclic seven-membered ring frameworks from 1,8-ene-ynes promoted by inexpensive low-valent titanium(ii) species, readily available from Ti(OiPr)4 and Grignard reagent. A broad range of cycloheptane, azepane or oxepane derivatives has been obtained (19 examples) with moderate to good yields and an excellent selectivity (up to 95/5 d.r.).