Divergence in Ynone Reactivity: Atypical Cyclization by 3,4-Difunctionalization versus Rare Bis(cyclization)

Chemistry. 2018 Jun 7;24(32):8186-8194. doi: 10.1002/chem.201800630. Epub 2018 May 14.

Abstract

Functionalized ynones can be activated by Tf2 C=CH2 , which was generated in situ, to form zwitterionic species. These species were trapped in an intramolecular fashion by several nucleophiles to generate two major types of triflones in a divergent manner. Through fine-tuning of the reaction temperature, bis(triflyl)-6-membered- or (triflyl)-5-membered-fused-heterocycles were achieved in reasonable yields in a totally selective manner. In this way, bis(triflyl)flavones, bis(triflyl)thioflavones, bis(triflyl)selenoflavones, (triflyl)benzothienopyrans, (triflyl)benzoselenophenopyrans, (triflyl)vinyl aurones, and (triflyl)pyranoindoles were constructed. Conceivable mechanistic pathways were suggested on the basis of the isolation of several intermediates and the results from control experiments.

Keywords: alkynes; cyclization; fluorine; heterocycles; synthetic methods.