Synthesis of multisubstituted pyrroles by nickel-catalyzed arylative cyclizations of N-tosyl alkynamides

Chem Commun (Camb). 2018 Oct 16;54(83):11769-11772. doi: 10.1039/c8cc06649c.

Abstract

The synthesis of multisubstituted pyrroles by the nickel-catalyzed reaction of N-tosyl alkynamides with arylboronic acids is reported. These reactions are triggered by alkyne arylnickelation, followed by cyclization of the resulting alkenylnickel species onto the amide. The reversible E/Z isomerization of the alkenylnickel species is critical for cyclization. This method was applied to the synthesis of pyrroles that are precursors to BODIPY derivatives and a biologically active compound.