Copper-catalyzed radical reaction of N-tosylhydrazones: stereoselective synthesis of (E)-vinyl sulfones

Org Lett. 2015 Apr 3;17(7):1692-5. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.5b00461. Epub 2015 Mar 12.

Abstract

A new chemistry of hydrazines that is a copper-catalyzed radical reaction to synthesize vinyl sulfones from readily available N-tosylhydrazones has been described. The protocol provides a novel strategy for the synthesis of various vinyl sulfones including α, β-disubstituted ones and terminal ones. The advantages of the transformation include excellent E stereoselectivity, broad substrate scope, low cost of reagents, and convenient operation. A novel and efficient one-pot synthesis of alkynes from N-tosylhydrazones has been achieved. The studies provide important complementary approaches for the syntheses of vinyl sulfones and alkynes.