This review has outlined the strategies and tactics of using arynes in the total syntheses of polycyclic natural products.

An intramolecular benzyne–diene [4 + 2] cycloaddition with broad substrate scope has been realized by using a cleavable silicon tether, allowing access to various polycyclic structures.

An intramolecular benzyne–phenolate [4+2] cycloaddition is reported. Benzyne precursors, having vicinal halogen‐sulfonate functionalities, linked with a phenol(ate) by various tether groups undergo efficient intramolecular [4+2] cycloaddition by treatment with either Ph3MgLi or nBuLi for halogen–metal exchange to form various benzobarrelenes.

A variety of highly functionalized β-hydroxynaphthoate derivatives are prepared by a two-step protocol: (1) acyl-alkylation of benzynes with ketodioxinones and (2) intramolecular aldol condensation. The substitution pattern of the products is related to polycyclic natural products derived from the type-II polyketide biosynthesis.

An intramolecular benzyne–phenolate [4+2] cycloaddition is reported. Benzyne precursors, having vicinal halogen‐sulfonate functionalities, linked with a phenol(ate) by various tether groups undergo efficient intramolecular [4+2] cycloaddition by treatment with either Ph3MgLi or nBuLi for halogen–metal exchange to form various benzobarrelenes.