Trace water in a BF3·OEt2 system: a facile access to sulfinyl alkenylsulfones from alkynes and sodium sulfinates

Org Biomol Chem. 2023 Oct 4;21(38):7776-7781. doi: 10.1039/d3ob01249b.

Abstract

A highly efficient and operationally simple method for the synthesis of β-sulfinyl alkenylsulfones through a BF3·OEt2-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 BF3·OEt2 catalytic system.