Selective Electrochemical Synthesis of 9-Aryl-10-sulfonyl Substituted Phenanthrene from Alkynes and Sulfonyl Hydrazides

Org Lett. 2022 Dec 23;24(50):9322-9326. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.2c03948. Epub 2022 Dec 9.

Abstract

An efficient electrochemical synthesis of sulfonated phenanthrenes via the reaction of internal alkynes with sulfonyl hydrazides has been established. The protocol does not require a metal catalyst or external oxidants, providing a green and mild route to functionalized phenanthrenes. Moreover, the compatibility of various functional groups and decagram-scale experimental conditions demonstrate the practicality of the electrochemical strategy.