Ru(OAc)3-Catalyzed Regioselective Difunctionalization of Alkynes: Access to (E)-2-Bromo-1-alkenyl Sulfonates

Org Lett. 2023 Sep 29;25(38):7025-7029. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.3c02623. Epub 2023 Sep 14.

Abstract

A new approach is proposed for the divergent and regioselective synthesis of (E)-2-bromo-1-phenylvinyl trifluoromethanesulfonates through alkyne difunctionalization by employing a compatible system of abundantly available alkynes, N-bromosuccinimide (NBS), and trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (TMSOTf) catalyzed by ruthenium(III) acetate [Ru(OAc)3]. It is a novel method for the preparation of vinyl triflate and it offers a fundamental basis for the development of advanced functional compounds, including drugs and organic functional materials. Unlike previously reported methods, the proposed protocol can tolerate a broad range of functional groups. Alkynes derived from bioactive molecules, such as l(-)-borneol, demonstrate the potential value of this new reaction in organic synthesis.