Dealkenylative Alkynylation Using Catalytic FeII and Vitamin C

J Am Chem Soc. 2022 Aug 17;144(32):14828-14837. doi: 10.1021/jacs.2c05980. Epub 2022 Aug 4.

Abstract

In this paper, we report the synthesis of alkyl-tethered alkynes through ozone-mediated and FeII-catalyzed dealkenylative alkynylation of unactivated alkenes in the presence of alkynyl sulfones. This one-pot reaction, which employs a combination of a catalytic FeII salt and l-ascorbic acid, proceeds under mild conditions with good efficiency, high stereoselectivity, and broad functional group compatibility. In contrast to our previous FeII-mediated reductive fragmentation of α-methoxyhydroperoxides, the FeII-catalyzed process was devised through a thorough kinetic analysis of the multiple competing radical (redox) pathways. We highlight the potential of this dealkenylative alkynylation through multiple post-synthetic transformations and late-stage diversifications of complex molecules, including natural products and pharmaceuticals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Alkynes*
  • Ascorbic Acid*
  • Catalysis
  • Ferrous Compounds
  • Kinetics

Substances

  • Alkynes
  • Ferrous Compounds
  • Ascorbic Acid