Trace water in a BF 3 ·OEt 2 system: a facile access to sulfinyl alkenylsulfones from alkynes and sodium sulfinates.
Shi-Wei YuZu-Jia ChenZhao-Hua ChenSi-Hong ChenKai YangWen-Jin XuZhao-Yang WangPublished in: Organic & biomolecular chemistry (2023)
A highly efficient and operationally simple method for the synthesis of β-sulfinyl alkenylsulfones through a BF 3 ·OEt 2 -promoted reaction of alkynes and sodium sulfinates is developed, successfully avoiding the complicated anhydrous treatment before the reaction and greatly simplifying the reaction conditions. As a facile and selective route to the targets, it features good functional group compatibility, mild conditions, easily available starting materials, and excellent yields. Notably, the trace water in solvent plays a key role in promoting the reaction, which provides a more practical pathway for the utilization of the BF 3 ·OEt 2 catalytic system.