Pd/Cu-Catalyzed Vinylation of Terminal Alkynes with (2-Bromoethyl)diphenylsulfonium Triflate.

The potential of (2-bromoethyl)diphenylsulfonium triflate to be a powerful vinylation reagent was determined by the Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions with terminal alkynes. The vinylation proceeded smoothly at 25 °C under Pd/Cu catalysis to afford a variety of 1- and 2-unsubstituted 1,3-enynes in moderate to excellent yields. This protocol represents the first application of (2-haloethyl)diphenylsulfonium triflate as a CH═CH2 transfer source in organic synthesis.