We report aryne generation from 2-triazenylarylboronic acids using an activator such as Brønsted acids, Lewis acids, and solid acids. With the use of (±)-Camphorsulfonic acid [(±)-CSA], the aryne precursors provided cycloadducts with a range of arynophiles in high yields. Aryne generated under the acidic conditions underwent chemoselective cycloaddition with a furan in the presence of a basic arynophile, namely an amine. Hammett plot analyses revealed that an aryne generation mechanism induced by (±)-CSA is distinct from the mechanism induced by silica gel.
Keywords: Brønsted acid; Hammett plot; aryne; boronic acid; triazene.