Transition-metal-free O-, S-, and N-arylation of alcohols, thiols, amides, amines, and related heterocycles

J Org Chem. 2011 Jan 21;76(2):654-60. doi: 10.1021/jo1022052. Epub 2010 Dec 22.

Abstract

A new protocol for the Ullmann-type arylation process of different aromatic heterocycles without any transition-metal catalyst, implying the use of a combination of an excess of potassium hydroxide and dimethyl sulfoxide, is described. The reaction can be performed between a broad range of starting nucleophiles including phenol, alcohols, amines, nitrogen-containing five-membered systems such as pyrazoles, imidazoles, and indoles, and amides with haloarenes, iodide and bromide derivatives giving the best results, the possible pathway involving the in situ generation of the corresponding benzyne intermediate. When the reaction was performed with 2-iodoaniline and either carboxamides or isothiocyanato derivatives, the corresponding benzoazole derivatives were obtained.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alcohols / chemistry*
  • Amides / chemistry*
  • Amines / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Heterocyclic Compounds / chemical synthesis*
  • Heterocyclic Compounds / chemistry*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Molecular Structure
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds / chemistry*
  • Transition Elements / chemistry*

Substances

  • Alcohols
  • Amides
  • Amines
  • Heterocyclic Compounds
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds
  • Transition Elements