Clickable Transformation of Nitriles (RCN) to Oxazolyl Sulfonyl Fluoride Warheads.

The protocol for simple, efficient, and mild synthesis of oxazolyl sulfonyl fluorides was developed through Rh2(OAc)4-catalyzed annulation of methyl-2-diazo-2-(fluorosulfonyl)acetate (MDF) or its ethyl ester derivative with nitriles. This practical method provides a general and direct route to a unique class of highly functionalized oxazolyl-decorated sulfonyl fluoride warheads with great potential in medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and drug discovery.