Programmed Synthesis of Tetra-Aryl Thiophenes with Stepwise, Ester-Controlled Regioselectivity

Org Lett. 2021 Oct 1;23(19):7348-7352. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.1c02447. Epub 2021 Sep 10.

Abstract

Herein, we report a modular synthetic route to access tetra-arylated thiophene compounds with four different substituents with programmed chemical control provided by an ester activating/directing group. This method enables the functionalization of individual positions of thiophene sequentially via regioselective halogenations and cross-coupling reactions. The reaction sequence described provides tetra-arylated thiophenes in higher yields than previous routes and employs practical reaction protocols, simple catalytic systems, and short reaction times.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't