This work was supported by the UOIT start-up fund. We thank Mr. Matthew Baxter (UOIT) for his assistance in the laboratory.

1. Synthesis of Ynone
<ol>
	<li>Using an analytical balance, weigh 0.15 mmol of desired potassium alkynyltrifluoroborate salt (1.5 equivalents) and add to a clean vial fitted with a magnetic stir bar.</li>
	<li>Using a glass plunger syringe fitted with a needle, add 0.5 ml of anhydrous DCM to the vial to afford a 0.3 M solution of trifluoroborate. 
	NOTE: Since this is a new methodology, the reactions have been performed for proof of concept. In order to reduce waste they have been performed on a small scale. The reaction may be scaled to produce larger yields as required.</li>
	<li>Using a glass syringe, add 0.15 mmol of 1.0 M boron trichloride solution (1.5 equivalents, 150 &#181;l) dropwise to the reaction vessel at ambient temperature (20 &#176;C) with stirring. Replace cap. Hold or clamp the capped reaction vessel such that the reaction solution is below the water line in the sonicator. Sonicate the solution for 30 sec at 20 &#176;C and a frequency of 40 kHz.</li>
	<li>Stir the reaction solution at room temperature (20 &#176;C) for an additional 20 min. Depending on the nature of the alkynyltrifluoroborate starting material, observe a color change. A color change from white to tan or dark brown, red, or purple is common.</li>
	<li>Add 0.1 mmol of the desired acyl chloride (1.0 equivalent) to the vial at ambient temperature (20 &#176;C) with stirring. Alternatively, transfer the contents of the reaction vessel to a flask charged with a magnetic stir bar and 0.1 mmol of acyl chloride. Replace cap. Stir the reaction solution at ambient temperature (20 &#176;C) for 30 min. 
	NOTE: Generally, a change to a very dark color is an indication that the reaction is taking place.</li>
	<li>Using a thin layer chromatography (TLC)34 monitor the progress of the reaction by comparing with appropriate acyl chloride standard. 
	NOTE: Depending on the nature of the starting materials, the reaction may not go to completion. The acyl chloride starting material has been observed as a higher running spot than the final product for all of the ynones prepared to date using this method.
	<ol>
		<li>Prepare the acyl chloride standard by diluting approximately 10 mg of the acyl chloride starting material with 1 ml of ethyl acetate in a small vial.</li>
		<li>Using a TLC spotter, spot the reaction solution and the standard on the starting line of the TLC plate. A co-spot with both the reaction solution and standard may be useful to determine if there is still starting material present in the reaction solution.</li>
		<li>Determine a suitable TLC mobile phase by trial and error. For the preparation of product 1a, a mobile phase consisting of 1:30 ethyl acetate:hexanes results in Rf values of approximately 0.5 and 0.8 for the ynone product and benzoyl chloride starting material, respectively.</li>
		<li>Visualize the developed TLC plate under UV light. Use a pencil to mark any visible spots.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
2. Aqueous Workup
<ol>
	<li>Quench the reaction by adding a 1 ml of cold water (approximately 5 &#176;C) to the reaction vessel. Using a Pasteur pipette, transfer the solution to a clean separatory funnel. Further dilute the contents of the separatory funnel with 10 ml cold water and extract the product once into 15 ml ethyl acetate.</li>
	<li>Discard the bottom aqueous layer and wash the organic layer one additional time with 10 ml of water and one time with 10 ml of brine. Collect the organic layer into a clean Erlenmeyer flask and dry with magnesium sulfate. Filter the solution into a clean round bottom flask using gravity filtration.</li>
</ol>
3. Purification of Ynone
<ol>
	<li>Using thin layer chromatography, determine a suitable mobile phase for flash chromatography purification of the product. A retention factor (Rf) of approximately 0.5 is generally sufficient to separate the product from any remaining starting material and side products. 
	NOTE: In the case of poor separation, a less polar solvent system may be used such that the product has a lower Rf value. Depending on the polarity of the starting materials, a hexanes:ethyl acetate mixture in the range of 30:1 to 5:1 is generally suitable.</li>
	<li>Prepare a column containing silica wet with the appropriate mobile phase. Add a layer of sand to the top of the column in order to avoid disturbing silica upon addition of the product and eluent.</li>
	<li>Evaporate the workup solution using a rotary evaporator with the bath temperature at 40 &#176;C and the rotation set to 120 rpm. Dissolve the contents of the flask in a 2 ml of mobile phase and carefully load the solution evenly onto the column. Ensure that the silica is wet but the solvent line does not exceed the height of the silica. Allow some solvent to elute such that the product is on the silica. Add a small amount of mobile phase and repeat.</li>
	<li>Fill the column with the mobile phase determined in step 3.1; in the case of product 1a, a 30:1 hexanes:ethyl acetate mixture is appropriate. Collect the fractions in test tubes using flash chromatography to speed up the purification process. Simply connect an adaptor with tubing to an air outlet. Adjust the air pressure such that the eluent flows through the column at a suitable rate.</li>
	<li>Spot each of the column fractions on a TLC plate. Optionally, spot the acyl chloride standard as a reference. Develop the TLC using the mobile phase deemed appropriate in step 1.8. Mark any spots visible under UV light, noting that the product is expected to have a lower Rf than the acyl chloride standard.</li>
	<li>Collect all fractions containing visible spots into a large round bottom flask. If more than one spot with a lower Rf than the starting material is present, collect them in separate flasks. Evaporate the solvent using a rotary evaporator and dry the material collected under high vacuum for two hours.</li>
	<li>If required, perform a pentane wash on a small column in order to further purify an ynone product prepared from an electron poor acyl chloride starting material. On a small scale, this may be performed using a Pasteur pipette as the column.
	<ol>
		<li>Dissolve the product in a minimum of chloroform, DCM, or diethyl ether and load onto a silica column wet with pentane. Elute 1-2 column lengths of pentane through the column and collect into a waste beaker.</li>
		<li>Elute the pure ynone product from the pentane column using diethyl ether or ethyl acetate. Collect eluent in a separate flask, evaporate, and place under high vacuum for a minimum of two hours. Obtain approximately 10 mg of product for characterization by NMR spectroscopy.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
4. Characterization of Ynone
<ol>
	<li>Characterize and assess the purity of the final product using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy.34 Typically, the chemical shift of the carbonyl carbon appears near 177 ppm on the 13C NMR spectrum. The two SP carbons of the ynone functional group are represented by characteristic peaks near 87 and 93 ppm.</li>
	<li>Use infrared spectroscopy34 to identify the characteristic carbonyl peak of the ynone product. Electron delocalization from the adjacent triple bond usually causes the carbonyl peak to appear between 1,600 and 1,650 cm-1, depending on the electronic characteristics of the compound.</li>
	<li>Determine the molecular mass of the product and further validate the identity using high resolution mass spectrometry.34</li>
</ol>

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S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Conversion+of+alkyltrifluoroborates+into+alkyldichloroboranes+with+tetrachlorosilane+in+coordinating+solvents.">Conversion of alkyltrifluoroborates into alkyldichloroboranes with tetrachlorosilane in coordinating solvents.</a> Angew. Chem. 116, 3118-3120 (2004).</li><li>Thompson, L., Doraiswamy, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Sonochemistry:+science+and+engineering.">Sonochemistry: science and engineering.</a> Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 38, 1215-1249 (1999).</li></ol>

The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests.

Table 1 illustrates the steps taken to optimize the conditions for the reaction of phenylacetylene trifluoroborate with benzoyl chloride to form the corresponding ynone product. Initially, catalysts known to convert organotrifluoroborates to organodifluoroboranes were tested. Unfortunately Silica gel,35 silicon tetrachloride,36 and boron trifluoride31,32 did not promote the formation of the desired ynone (Table 1, entries 1-3). The use of chlorinated Lewis acid catalysts proved to be more successful. A low yield of the desired ynone 1a was obtained in the presence of an iron(III) chloride catalyst (Table 1, entry 4). Next, aluminum(III) chloride was investigated as a result of its well-established ability to promote oxocarbenium ion formation in Friedel-Crafts acylations.37-39 The desired product was obtained in 62% yield when an aluminum(III) chloride catalyst was employed.
Further optimization revealed that air and moisture have little effect on the yield of the reaction (Table 1, entries 5-7). As a result, subsequent reactions were performed in non-dried glassware in the presence of air. Attempts to optimize the solvent revealed that dichloromethane (DCM) is particularly well suited to the reaction (Table 1, entries 8-12). Inconsistencies in the results of reactions catalyzed by aluminum(III) chloride prompted the exploration of alternative catalysts. Commercially available aluminum(III) chloride hexahydrate was completely inactive under the reaction conditions (Table 1, entry 13). This is a good indicator that the formation of aluminum(III) chloride hydrate inhibits the reaction. Boron trichloride was found to produce similar yields with better consistency (Table 1, entry 14).
Upon interaction of the potassium alkynyltrifluoroborate with boron trichloride, a more reactive organodichloroborane species is formed.40 This initial step is critical for the reaction with the acyl chloride and formation of the ynone to proceed. Since organotrifluoroborate salts are not soluble in DCM, the reaction takes place as a heterogeneous mixture. After addition of boron trichloride, the solution is sonicated order to facilitate formation of the reactive dichloroborane species by increasing the surface area of the trifluoroborate salt available to react. Application of ultrasound waves to the reaction mixture causes mechanical effects through the generation of cavitation bubbles. During sonication, collapse of cavitation bubbles in the fluid results in localized areas of high temperatures and pressures.41 Shock waves are produced that create microscopic turbulence resulting in an increase in kinetic energy of the solid trifluoroborate salts. The increase in energy of the system during sonication promotes fragmentation of the trifluoroborate salt resulting increased surface area available to interact with boron trichloride. Sonication of the reaction mixture prior to addition of the acyl chloride starting material ensures the efficient formation of the reactive alkynyldichloroborane species without the need for more forcing conditions or longer reaction times.
Figure 2 illustrates the results obtained when phenylacetylene trifluoroborate was reacted with a variety of acyl chlorides under the optimized reaction conditions. Neutral aromatic (1b, 1c) and aliphatic (1j-l) acyl chlorides furnish the corresponding ynones in synthetically useful yields. Those acyl chlorides bearing electron donating groups (1d-g) provide excellent yields while electron withdrawing groups result in comparatively modest yields (1h, 1i, 1m). Interestingly, when the electron withdrawing group is located in the ortho position (1i, 59%), a significant yield increase is observed in comparison to the analogous para substituted acyl chloride (1h, 30%). The steric interaction of the substituent in the ortho- position may force the carbonyl functional group out of the plane, thereby offsetting the electron-withdrawing character of the aromatic ring. It is worth noting that 4-bromobutyryl chloride reacted to afford the desired product 1m in 39% yield. To our knowledge, this is the first protocol for the synthesis of ynones to tolerate an alkyl bromide functional group. Occasionally, when the acyl chloride starting material is neutral or electron deficient, aliphatic impurities appear on the proton NMR. This may necessitate a pentane wash in order to further purify the product. While possible, it is not economical to perform the pentane wash during the first purification stage since pentane is costly in comparison to hexanes. Completing the secondary purification separately on a smaller scale such as a Pasteur pipette column significantly reduces the amount of pentane required.
Figure 3 illustrates the effect of the identity of the alkynyltrifluoroborate salt on the yield of the reaction. In general, derivatives of the phenylacetylene trifluoroborate salt bearing electron-donating substituents on the aromatic ring reacted with aromatic and aliphatic acyl chlorides to produce the desired ynones in good to excellent yields (2a-c, 3a-c). Aliphatic alkynyltrifluoroborate salts proved to be less reactive substrates. Modest yields have been obtained when hexynyl- and cyclopentylethynyltrifluoroborate salts were reacted with electron-rich benzoyl chloride derivatives (4a, 5a).
In conclusion, a novel method for the preparation of ynones from acyl chlorides and potassium alkynyltrifluoroborate salts has been developed. The yields obtained for the synthesis of ynones by this method range from modest to excellent depending on the nature of the acyl chloride and trifluoroborate starting materials. In general those starting materials bearing electron donating substituents undergo the reaction more readily than starting materials bearing neutral and electron withdrawing functional groups. The value of this approach lies in the operational simplicity and functional group tolerance of the method. This straightforward, one-pot reaction proceeds rapidly at ambient temperature in the presence of boron trichloride without exclusion of air and moisture. This convenient method may be employed in the preparation of ynones in modest to excellent yields from a variety of acyl chlorides and alkynyltrifluoroborate salts.

The intention of this video is to demonstrate a straightforward approach for the preparation of compounds containing an ynone functional group from convenient starting materials. Ynones are valuable building blocks in organic chemistry that have been shown to have biomedical and material significance. Ynones are precursors to valuable organic functional groups including pyrimidines,1,2 quinolones,3 furans,4 pyrazoles,5,6 flavones,7 oximes,8 and chiral propargylic alcohols.9-11 A more convenient method for the preparation of ynones has been sought as a result of the drawbacks of traditional methods including poor functional group tolerance and tedious synthetic routes.
The reaction of metal12,13 and metalloid14 acetylides with acyl chlorides is one common route for the preparation of ynones. Alternatively, the synthesis of ynones from acyl chloride can be achieved via two-step procedures using Weinreb amides and organolithium or Grignard reagents.15 Another prevalent approach includes the addition of organolithium or Grignard reagents to an aldehyde, which is followed by the oxidation of a secondary alcohol to the corresponding ketone.16-19 Poor functional group tolerance of metal acetylides and the need to purify synthetic intermediates after each step are main deficiencies of the aforementioned methods. Transition-metal-catalyzed carbonylative couplings have recently emerged as an alternative approach for the preparation of ynones.20-22 Unfortunately, in addition to cost and toxicity associated with transition metals, metal-catalyzed carbonylative reactions often require elevated CO pressures and suffer from the presence of an undesired Sonogashira coupling byproduct. Given their utility in organic synthesis as well as the drawbacks associated with traditional synthetic methods, the development of a more straightforward method for the preparation of ynones is appealing.
Potassium organotrifluoroborate salts have recently emerged as versatile reagents in organic synthesis. Advantages including ease of preparation,23 inherent stability, low toxicity, and good functional group tolerance have made organotrifluoroborate salts attractive synthetic reagents.24-27 Organotrifluoroborate salts have been used primarily as a bench-stable equivalent of boronic acids for palladium-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura coupling.26 Recently, following a seminal work by Matteson and co-workers,28 Bode, Molander and others have highlighted the utility of organotrifluoroborates as reagents in non-metal catalyzed reactions.29-33 The field of transition-metal-free reactions of trifluoroborates is still in its infancy stage. Given the great potential for use of organotrifluoroborate salts in non-metal catalyzed organic synthesis, we sought to develop a novel method for the preparation of ynones from acyl chlorides and alkynyltrifluoroborate salts.

<table><tbody><tr><td>Sonicator</td><td>VGT</td><td>1860QT</td><td>Ultrasonic cleaner. Similar sonication devices may be used.</td></tr><tr><td>Dichloromethane</td><td>Sigma</td><td>270997</td><td>Anhydrous</td></tr><tr><td>Boron trichloride solution&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Sigma</td><td>178934</td><td>1 M solution in DCM</td></tr><tr><td>Acyl chloride</td><td>Sigma</td><td>Various</td><td>Acyl chlorides from other suppliers such as Alfa Aesar may be used. Caution: refer to MSDS for safety information.</td></tr><tr><td>Potassium alkynyltrifluoroborate salt</td><td>N/A</td><td>N/A</td><td>Synthesized&lt;sup&gt;23 &lt;/sup&gt;from terminal alkyne</td></tr><tr><td>Ethyl acetate</td><td>ACP</td><td>E-2000</td><td>ACS grade</td></tr><tr><td>Hexanes</td><td>ACP</td><td>H-3500</td><td>ACS grade</td></tr><tr><td>Pentane</td><td>Sigma</td><td>236705</td><td>Anhydrous</td></tr><tr><td>Magnesium sulfate</td><td>Sigma</td><td>M7506</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Filter paper</td><td>Whatman</td><td>1093 126</td><td>Student grade. This speceific variety is not necessary.</td></tr><tr><td>Silica Gel 60</td><td>EMD</td><td>1.11567.9026</td><td>Particle size 0.040-0.063</td></tr></tbody></table>

metal-free synthesis of ynones from acyl chlorides and potassium alkynyltrifluoroborate salts

Ynones are a valuable functional group and building block in organic synthesis. Ynones serve as a precursor to many important organic functional groups and scaffolds. Traditional methods for the preparation of ynones are associated with drawbacks including harsh conditions, multiple purification steps, and the presence of unwanted byproducts. An alternative method for the straightforward preparation of ynones from acyl chlorides and potassium alkynyltrifluoroborate salts is described herein. The adoption of organotrifluoroborate salts as an alternative to organometallic reagents for the formation of new carbon-carbon bonds has a number of advantages. Potassium organotrifluoroborate salts are shelf stable, have good functional group tolerance, low toxicity, and a wide variety are straightforward to prepare. The title reaction proceeds rapidly at ambient temperature in the presence of a Lewis acid without the exclusion of air and moisture. Fair to excellent yields may be obtained via reaction of various aryl and alkyl acid chlorides with alkynyltrifluoroborate salts in the presence of boron trichloride.

Initial efforts were focused around the preparation of ynone 1a from phenylacetylene trifluoroborate S1 and benzoyl chloride (Figure 1). Table 1 illustrates the optimization steps performed including screening of various Lewis acids, solvents, as well as examination of the effect of water on the reaction. Next, the scope of the reaction has been explored by submitting phenylacetylene trifluoroborate to the optimized conditions in the presence of a variety of acyl chlorides (Figure 2). Modest to excellent yields may be obtained depending on the nature of the acyl chloride substrate. The scope of the reaction has further been evaluated through the preparation of several additional examples of alkynyltrifluoroborate salts. Figure 3 illustrates selected examples of other alkynyltrifluoroborate salts that can be employed in the preparation of ynones under the developed conditions. Derivatives of phenylacetylene trifluoroborate bearing electron donating substituents afforded the corresponding ynone products in good to excellent yields while aliphatic derivatives of alkynyltrifluoroborate salts proved to be slightly less reactive affording modest yields.
<img alt="Figure 1" src="/files/ftp_upload/52401/52401fig1highres.jpg" /> 
Figure 1: Preparation of Ynone 1a from phenylacetylene trifluoroborate S1 and benzoyl chloride. Scheme illustrating the conditions for the preparation of ynone 1a including formation of the reactive dichloroborane intermediate.
<img alt="Figure 2" src="/files/ftp_upload/52401/52401fig2highres.jpg" /> 
Figure 2: Representative 1H NMR spectrum of ynone 1a. Chemical shifts and relative integrations of characteristic protons are labeled.
<img alt="Figure 3" src="/files/ftp_upload/52401/52401fig3highres.jpg" /> 
Figure 3: Representative 13C NMR spectrum of ynone 1a. Chemical shifts of characteristic carbons are labeled.
<img alt="Figure 4" src="/files/ftp_upload/52401/52401fig4highres.jpg" /> 
Figure 4: Representative HRMS spectrum of ynone 1a obtained via atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization. The measured m/z value of the [M+H]+ ion is reported.
<img alt="Figure 5" src="/files/ftp_upload/52401/52401fig5highres.jpg" /> 
Figure 5: Reactions of phenylacetylenetrifluoroborate salt S1 with acyl chlorides. Structures and yields for products produced by varying the identity of the acyl chloride starting material are illustrated. Reactions were run with 1 equiv of acyl chloride, 1.5 equiv potassium phenylacetylenetrifluoroborate S1, and 1.5 equiv boron trichloride.
<img alt="Figure 6" src="/files/ftp_upload/52401/52401fig6highres.jpg" /> 
Figure 6: Reactions of various alkynyltrifluoroborates with acyl chlorides. Structures and yields for products produced by varying the identity of the alkynyltrifluoroborate starting material are illustrated. Reactions were run with 1 equiv of acyl chloride, 2.5 equiv potassium organotrifluoroborate salt and 2.5 equiv boron trichloride.
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Entry</td>
			<td>Lewis acid</td>
			<td>Lewis acid (equiv)</td>
			<td>Conditions</td>
			<td>Yield (%)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1b</td>
			<td>SiO2</td>
			<td>16.5</td>
			<td>CH2Cl2</td>
			<td>0</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>SiCl4</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>CH2Cl2</td>
			<td>trace</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>BF3&#183;OEt2</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>CH2Cl2</td>
			<td>trace</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4b</td>
			<td>FeCl3</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>CH2Cl2</td>
			<td>24</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5c</td>
			<td>AlCl3</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>CH2Cl2</td>
			<td>62</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6d</td>
			<td>AlCl3</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>CH2Cl2</td>
			<td>66</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>7e</td>
			<td>AlCl3</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>CH2Cl2</td>
			<td>60</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8</td>
			<td>AlCl3</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>THF</td>
			<td>trace</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>9</td>
			<td>AlCl3</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>toluene</td>
			<td>trace</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>10</td>
			<td>AlCl3</td>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>ClCH2CH2Cl</td>
			<td>33</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>11</td>
			<td>AlCl3</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>DMSO</td>
			<td>trace</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>12</td>
			<td>AlCl3</td>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>acetonitrile</td>
			<td>trace</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>13</td>
			<td>AlCl3&#183;6H2O</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>CH2Cl2</td>
			<td>0</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>14b</td>
			<td>BCl3</td>
			<td>1.5</td>
			<td>CH2Cl2</td>
			<td>67</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>15</td>
			<td>BBr3</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>CH2Cl2</td>
			<td>20</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
Table 1: Optimization of conditions for the preparation of ynone 1aa. Yield of product 1a upon variation of reaction conditions and Lewis acid catalyst. aReactions were run with 1 equiv benzoyl chloride and 1 equiv potassium phenylacetylenetrifluoroborate S1. b1.5 equiv S1. cAnhydrous conditions. dThe reaction was done in non-dried glassware under air. eAnhydrous conditions + 1 &#181;l of water.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Metal-free Synthesis of Ynones from Acyl Chlorides and Potassium Alkynyltrifluoroborate Salts at JoVE.com

Metal-free Synthesis of Ynones from Acyl Chlorides and Potassium Alkynyltrifluoroborate Salts

The goal of this manuscript is to demonstrate a straightforward method for the preparation of ynones from acyl chloride and potassium alkynyltrifluoroborate salt starting materials. The one-pot reaction proceeds rapidly in the presence of boron trichloride without exclusion of air and moisture.

Ynones are a valuable functional group and building block in organic synthesis. Ynones serve as a precursor to many important organic functional groups ...

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11.2K Views.  University of Ontario Institute of Technology. The goal of this manuscript is to demonstrate a straightforward method for the preparation of ynones from acyl chloride and potassium alkynyltrifluoroborate salt starting materials. The one-pot reaction proceeds rapidly in the presence of boron trichloride without exclusion of air and moisture.

Video: Metal-free Synthesis of Ynones from Acyl Chlorides and Potassium Alkynyltrifluoroborate Salts

Synthesis of Hypervalent Iodonium Alkynyl Triflates for the Application of Generating Cyanocarbenes

The procedures described in this article involve the synthesis and isolation of hypervalent iodonium alkynyl triflates (HIATs) and their subsequent reactions with azides to form cyanocarbene intermediates. The synthesis of hypervalent iodonium alkynyl triflates can be facile, but difficulties stem from their isolation and reactivity. In particular, the necessity to use filtration under inert atmosphere at -45 &deg;C for some HIATs requires special care and equipment. Once isolated, the compounds can be stored and used in reactions with azides to form cyanocarbene intermediates. 
The evidence for cyanocarbene generation is shown by visible extrusion of dinitrogen as well as the characterization of products that occur from O-H insertion, sulfoxide complexation, and cyclopropanation. A side reaction of the cyanocarbene formation is the generation of a vinylidene-carbene and the conditions to control this process are discussed. There is also potential to form a hypervalent iodonium alkenyl triflate and the means of isolation and control of its generation are provided. The O-H insertion reaction involves using a HIAT, sodium azide or tetrabutylammonium azide, and methanol as solvent/substrate. The sulfoxide complexation reaction uses a HIAT, sodium azide or tetrabutylammonium azide, and dimethyl sulfoxide as solvent. The cyclopropanations can be performed with or without the use of solvent. The azide source must be tetrabutylammonium azide and the substrate shown is styrene.

Herein is described the synthesis, isolation, and reactions of hypervalent iodonium alkynyl triflates (HIATs) with azides to generate cyanocarbenes. The procedures will involve air-sensitive and cryogen techniques, including cold filtration under an inert atmosphere. Handling and safety of the synthesized compounds will also be discussed.

The procedures described in this article involve the synthesis and isolation of hypervalent iodonium alkynyl triflates (HIATs) and their subsequent ...

Protocol for the Synthesis of Ortho-trifluoromethoxylated Aniline Derivatives

Molecules bearing trifluoromethoxy (OCF3) group often show desired pharmacological and biological properties. However, facile synthesis of trifluoromethoxylated aromatic compounds remains a formidable challenge in organic synthesis. Conventional approaches often suffer from poor substrate scope, or require use of highly toxic, difficult-to-handle, and/or thermally labile reagents. Herein, we report a user-friendly protocol for the synthesis of methyl 4-acetamido-3-(trifluoromethoxy)benzoate using 1-trifluoromethyl-1,2-benziodoxol-3(1H)-one (Togni reagent II). Treating methyl 4-(N-hydroxyacetamido)benzoate (1a) with Togni reagent II in the presence of a catalytic amount of cesium carbonate (Cs2CO3) in chloroform at RT afforded methyl 4-(N-(trifluoromethoxy)acetamido)benzoate (2a). This intermediate was then converted to the final product methyl 4-acetamido-3-(trifluoromethoxy)benzoate (3a) in nitromethane at 120 &#176;C. This procedure is general and can be applied to the synthesis of a broad spectrum of ortho-trifluoromethoxylated aniline derivatives, which could serve as useful synthetic building blocks for the discovery and development of new pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and functional materials.

Protocol for the Synthesis of Ortho-trifluoromethoxylated Aniline Derivatives

An operationally simple procedure for the synthesis of ortho-trifluoromethoxylated aniline derivatives via a two-step sequence of O-trifluoromethylation of N-aryl-N-hydroxyacetamide followed by thermally induced intramolecular OCF3-migration is reported.

Molecules bearing trifluoromethoxy (OCF3) group often show desired pharmacological and biological properties. However, facile synthesis of ...

A Two-Step Protocol for Umpolung Functionalization of Ketones Via Enolonium Species

&#945;-Functionalization of ketones via umpolung of enolates by hypervalent iodine reagents is an important concept in synthetic organic chemistry. Recently, we have developed a two-step strategy for ketone enolate umpolung that has enabled the development of methods for chlorination, azidation, and amination using azoles. In addition, we have developed C-C bond&#8211;forming arylation and allylation reactions. At the heart of these methods is the preparation of the intermediate and highly reactive enolonium species prior to addition of a reactive nucleophile. This strategy is thus reminiscent of the preparation and use of metal enolates in classical synthetic chemistry. This strategy allows the use of nucleophiles that would otherwise be incompatible with the strongly oxidizing hypervalent iodine reagents. In this paper we present a detailed protocol for chlorination, azidation, N-heteroarylation, arylation, and allylation. The products include motifs prevalent in medicinally active products. This article will greatly assist others in using these methods.

A two step one-pot protocol for the umpolung of ketone enolates to enolonium species and addition of a nucleophile to the &#945;-position is described. Nucleophiles include chloride, azide, azoles, allyl-silanes, and aromatic compounds.

&#945;-Functionalization of ketones via umpolung of enolates by hypervalent iodine reagents is an important concept in synthetic organic chemistry. ...

Application of Elemental Lanthanides in the Selective C-F Activation of Trifluoromethylated Benzofulvenes Providing Access to Various Difluoroalkenes

The selective activation of one carbon-fluorine bond in polyfluorinated aromatic molecules or in trifluoromethyl-containing substrates offers the possibility of accessing unique fluorine-containing molecules, which are difficult to obtain by other synthetic pathways. Among various metals, which can undergo C-F activation, lanthanides (Ln) are good candidates as they form strong Ln-F bonds. Lanthanide metals are strong reducing agents with a redox potential Ln3+/Ln&#160;of approximately -2.3 V, which is comparable to the value of the Mg2+/Mg&#160;redox couple. In addition, lanthanide metals display a promising functional group tolerance and their reactivity can vary along the lanthanide series, making them suitable reagents for fine-tuning reaction conditions in organic and organometallic transformations. However, due to their oxophilicity, lanthanides react readily with oxygen and water and therefore require special conditions for storage, handling, preparation, and activation. These factors have limited a more widespread use in organic synthesis. We herein present how dysprosium metal - and by analogy all lanthanide metals - can be freshly prepared under anhydrous conditions using glovebox and Schlenk techniques. The freshly filed metal, in combination with aluminum chloride, initiates the selective C-F activation in trifluoromethylated benzofulvenes. The resulting reaction intermediates react with nitroalkenes to obtain a new family of difluoroalkenes.

This protocol describes the preparation of elemental lanthanides under inert atmosphere and their application in a selective C-F activation process involving trifluoromethylated benzofulvenes.

The selective activation of one carbon-fluorine bond in polyfluorinated aromatic molecules or in trifluoromethyl-containing substrates offers the ...

Chemoselective Preparation of 1-Iodoalkynes, 1,2-Diiodoalkenes, and 1,1,2-Triiodoalkenes Based on the Oxidative Iodination of Terminal Alkynes

We present the chemoselective synthesis of 1-(iodoethynyl)-4-methylbenzene, 1-(1,2-diiodovinyl)-4-methylbenzene, and 1-methyl-4-(1,2,2-triiodovinyl)benzene as representative examples for the practical chemoselective preparation of 1-iodoalkynes, 1,2-diiodoalkenes, and 1,1,2-triiodoalkenes from the chemoselective iodination of terminal alkynes mediated by hypervalent-iodine reagents. The chemoselectivity was confirmed by using p-tolylethyne as a model substrate to screen a variety of iodine sources and/or the hypervalent-iodine reagents. A combination of tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI) and (diacetoxyiodo)benzene (PIDA) selectively generates 1-iodoalkynes, while a combination of KI and PIDA generates 1,2-diiodoalkenes. A one-pot synthesis based on both TBAI-PIDA and KI-PIDA yields the corresponding 1,1,2-triiodoalkenes. These protocols were subsequently applied to the synthesis of synthetically important aromatic and aliphatic 1-iodoalkynes, 1,2-diiodoalkenes, and 1,1,2-triiodoalkenes, which were obtained in good yield with excellent chemoselectivity.

Herein, detailed protocols for the oxidative iodination of terminal alkynes using hypervalent-iodine reagents are presented, which chemoselectively afford 1-iodoalkynes, 1,2-diiodoalkenes, and 1,1,2-triiodoalkenes.

We present the chemoselective synthesis of 1-(iodoethynyl)-4-methylbenzene, 1-(1,2-diiodovinyl)-4-methylbenzene, and ...

Isolating Free Carbenes, their Mixed Dimers and Organic Radicals

Protocols for the isolation of the commonly employed cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbene (CAAC) and N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) are reported. Furthermore, the synthesis of their mixed CAAC&#8211;NHC &#8220;Wanzlick&#8221; dimer and the synthesis of the related stable organic &#8220;olefin&#8221; radical are presented. The main goal of this manuscript is to give a detailed and general protocol for the synthetic chemist of any skill level on how to prepare free heterocyclic carbenes by deprotonation using filter cannulas. Due to the air-sensitivity of the synthesized compounds, all experiments are performed under inert atmosphere using either Schlenk technique or a dinitrogen filled glovebox. Controlling Wanzlick&#8217;s equilibrium (i.e., the dimerization of free carbenes), is a crucial requirement for the application of free carbenes in coordination chemistry or organic synthesis. Thus, we elaborate on the specific electronic and steric requirements favoring the formation of dimers, heterodimers, or monomers. We will show how proton catalysis allows for the formation of dimers, and how the electronic structure of carbenes and their dimers affects the reactivity with either moisture or air. The structural identity of the reported compounds is discussed based on their NMR spectra.

We present protocols for the isolation of stable heterocyclic carbenes. The synthesis of a cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbene (CAAC) and an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) is demonstrated using filter cannulas and Schlenk technique. We furthermore present the synthesis of the related oxygen-sensitive, electron-rich mixed &#8220;Wanzlick dimer&#8221; and the reduced stable organic radical.

Protocols for the isolation of the commonly employed cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbene (CAAC) and N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) are reported. Furthermore, the ...

Efficient Synthesis of All-Carbon Quaternary Centers via the Conjugate Addition of Functionalized Monoorganozinc Bromides

The conjugate addition of organometallic reagents to &#945;,&#946;-unsaturated carbonyls represents an important method to generate C&#8211;C bonds in the preparation of all-carbon quaternary centers. Though conjugate additions of organometallic reagents are typically performed utilizing highly reactive organolithium or Grignard reagents, organozinc reagents have garnered attention for their enhanced chemoselectivity and mild reactivity. Despite numerous recent advances with more reactive diorganozinc and mixed diorganozinc reagents, the generation of all-carbon quaternary centers via the conjugate addition of functionalized monoorganozinc reagents remains a challenge. This protocol details a convenient and mild &#8220;one-pot&#8221; preparation and copper mediated conjugate addition of functionalized monoorganozinc bromides to cyclic &#945;,&#946;-unsaturated carbonyls to afford a broad scope of all-carbon quaternary centers in generally excellent yield and diastereoselectivity. Key to the development of this technology is the utilization of DMA as a reaction solvent with TMSCl as a Lewis acid. Notable advantages to this methodology include the operational simplicity of the organozinc reagent preparation afforded by the utilization of DMA as a solvent, as well as an efficient conjugate addition mediated by various Cu(I) and Cu(II) salts. Moreover, an intermediate silyl enol ether can be isolated utilizing a modified workup procedure. The substrate scope is limited to cyclic unsaturated ketones, and the conjugate addition is impeded by stabilized (e.g., allyl, enolate, homoenolate) and sterically encumbered (e.g., neopentyl, o-aryl) monoorganozinc reagents. Conjugate additions to five- and seven-membered rings were effective, albeit in lower yields compared with six-membered ring substrates.

A simple and practical protocol for the efficient conjugate addition of functionalized monoorganozinc bromides to cyclic &#945;,&#946;-unsaturated carbonyls to furnish all-carbon quaternary centers was developed.

The conjugate addition of organometallic reagents to &#945;,&#946;-unsaturated carbonyls represents an important method to generate C&#8211;C bonds in the ...

Acidity of 1-Alkynes

<h4></h4>
The acidic strength of hydrocarbons follows the order: Alkynes &#62; Alkenes &#62; Alkanes. The strength of an acid is commonly expressed in units of pKa &#8212; the lower the pKa, the stronger the acid. Among the hydrocarbons, terminal alkynes have lower pKa values and are, therefore, more acidic. For example, the pKa values for ethane, ethene, and acetylene are 51, 44, and 25, respectively, as shown here.
<table style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
	<tbody style="border: 1px solid black;">
		<tr>
			<td style="border-style: solid; border-color: black; color: black; text-align: center;"><img alt="Figure1left" src="/files/ftp_upload/11833/11833_PT_Figure_1_left.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 75px;" /> 
			Ethane 
			(pKa&#160;= 51)</td>
			<td style="border-style: solid; border-color: black; color: black; text-align: center;"><img alt="Figure1middle" src="/files/ftp_upload/11833/11833_PT_Figure_1_Middle.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 50px;" /> 
			 
			Ethene 
			(pKa&#160;= 44)</td>
			<td style="border-style: solid; border-color: black; color: black; text-align: center;">
			
			<img alt="Figure1right" src="/files/ftp_upload/11833/11833_PT_Figure_1_Right.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 20px;" /> 
			 
			&#160;
			Ethyne 
			(pKa&#160;= 25)
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
With a pKa difference of 26 units, acetylene is 1026 times more acidic than ethane. Similarly, a difference of 19 pKa units makes it 1019 times stronger than ethene.
<h4>Hybridization effect</h4>
The pronounced increase in the acidity of terminal alkynes relative to the other hydrocarbons can be explained by considering the stability of the corresponding carbanions formed by deprotonation. Note that, in the nomenclature of organic compounds, the suffix &#34;-ide&#34; indicates that the molecule is a negatively charged ion.
<table style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
	<tbody style="border: 1px solid black;">
		<tr>
			<td style="border-style: solid; border-color: black; color: black; text-align: center;"><img alt="Figure2top" src="/files/ftp_upload/11833/11833_PT_Figure_2_top.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 80px;" /> 
			ethanide&#160;(an alkyl anion) 
			sp3&#160;lone pair, 25% &#8220;s&#8221; character</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-style: solid; border-color: black; color: black; text-align: center;"><img alt="Figure2middle" src="/files/ftp_upload/11833/11833_PT_Figure_2_middle.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 60px;" /> 
			ethenide&#160;(a vinylic anion) 
			sp2&#160;lone pair, 33% &#8220;s&#8221; character</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-style: solid; border-color: black; color: black; text-align: center;"><img alt="Figure2bottom" src="/files/ftp_upload/11833/11833_PT_Figure_2_bottom.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 40px;" /> 
			acetylide&#160;(an acetylenic anion) 
			sp&#160;lone pair, 50% &#8220;s&#8221; character</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
The stability of the carbanion depends on the nature of the hybridized orbital occupied by the lone pair of electrons. As shown above, in ethane&#160;the lone pair resides in an sp3 orbital, while in ethene&#160;it occupies the sp2 orbital and an sp orbital in the case of acetylene. The sp3, sp2, and sp orbitals have 25%, 33%, and 50% &#34;s&#34; character, respectively. Since &#34;s&#34; orbitals are closer to the positively charged nucleus, a hybrid orbital with a higher &#34;s&#34; character will effectively stabilize the negative charge. Thus, the acetylide ions will be the most stable and readily formed in the presence of a suitable base.
<h4>Choosing a suitable base</h4>
In general, for a base to deprotonate an acid, the pKa of the base&#39;s conjugate acid must be at least 10 pKa units greater than that of the acid.
<img alt="Figure3" src="/files/ftp_upload/11833/11833_Figure_3v2.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 80px;" />
Terminal alkynes have a pKa of 25. Therefore, an appropriate base would be one where the conjugate acid has a pKa that is at least 35. Recall that for an acid-base reaction, the equilibrium favors the formation of weaker acids and bases from stronger acids and bases.
stronger acids + stronger bases <img alt="arrow" src="/files/ftp_upload/11833/arrow.png" style="text-align: center; height: 13px;" />weaker acids + weaker bases
With sodium amide as the base, terminal alkynes form sodium acetylide and ammonia as the conjugate acid. Since the pKa of ammonia is greater than 25, the equilibrium favors the formation of sodium acetylide, making sodium amide a strong enough base for the deprotonation reaction.
<img alt="Figure4" src="/files/ftp_upload/11833/11833_Figure_4.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 100px;" />
Apart from sodium amide, sodium hydride, butyllithium, and lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) are other commonly used bases to form acetylide ions.
<table style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
	<tbody style="border: 1px solid black;">
		<tr>
			<td style="border-style: solid; border-color: black; color: black; text-align: center;">
			<img alt="Figure5left" src="/files/ftp_upload/11833/11833_PT_Figure_5_left.svg" style="height: 25px;" />
			Sodium hydride
			</td>
			<td style="border-style: solid; border-color: black; color: black; text-align: center;"><img alt="Figure5middle" src="/files/ftp_upload/11833/11833_PT_Figure_5_middle.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 60px;" /> 
			Butyllithium (n-BuLi)</td>
			<td style="border-style: solid; border-color: black; color: black; text-align: center;"><img alt="Figure5right" src="/files/ftp_upload/11833/11833_PT_Figure_5_right.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 60px;" /> 
			Lithium diisopropylamide (LDA)</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
In the presence of sodium hydroxide as the base, terminal alkynes form sodium acetylide and water as the conjugate acid. However, since the pKa of water is less than 25, the equilibrium favors the reactants. Therefore, sodium hydroxide is not a suitable base to form acetylide ions.
<img alt="Figure6" src="/files/ftp_upload/11833/11833_Figure_6.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 110px;" />
<h4>Synthesis of organometallic reagents </h4>
The relative acidity of terminal alkynes finds application in the synthesis of organometallic compounds when treated with Grignard or organolithium reagents. These are examples of transmetalation reactions involving the transfer of a metal atom from one carbon to another, thereby forming new metal&#8211;carbon bonds. However, they can also be interpreted as acid&#8211;base reactions that favor the formation of weaker acids and bases.
<img alt="Figure7top" src="/files/ftp_upload/11833/11833_Figure_7v3.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 225px;" />
<div></div>

Acidity of Terminal Alkynes: Formation of Acetylide Anions


The acidic strength of hydrocarbons follows the order: Alkynes &#62; Alkenes &#62; Alkanes. The strength of an acid is commonly expressed in units of pKa ...

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

Preparation of Alkynes: Alkylation Reaction

<h4>Introduction</h4>
Alkylation of terminal alkynes with primary alkyl halides in the presence of a strong base like sodium amide is one of the common methods for the synthesis of longer carbon-chain alkynes. For example, treatment of 1-propyne with sodium amide followed by reaction with ethyl bromide yields 2-pentyne.
<img alt="Alkyne alkylation reaction using NaNH2 and ethyl bromide, chemical equation diagram." src="/files/ftp_upload/11834/11834_PT_Figure_1.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 50px;" data-altupdatedat="1747908711000" data-alt="Figure1">
The reaction takes place in two steps:
1. The first step is the deprotonation of the terminal alkyne by the strong base forming an acetylide ion.
<img alt="Alkyne ionization reaction equation NaNH2, diagram shows acetylene converting to acetylide ion." src="/files/ftp_upload/11834/11834_PT_Figure_2.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 50px;" data-altupdatedat="1747908711000" data-alt="Figure2">
2. The second step is a nucleophilic substitution reaction in which the acetylide ion reacts with the alkyl halide to form a new C–C bond.
<img alt="Organic reaction mechanism, Na+ and Br- ion exchange, illustrates chemical synthesis process." src="/files/ftp_upload/11834/11834_PT_Figure_3.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 50px;" data-altupdatedat="1747908711000" data-alt="Figure3">
<h4>Reaction Mechanism —SN2 pathway </h4>
Acetylide ions are strong bases and can also function as good nucleophiles. The substitution reaction follows an SN2 pathway where the nucleophilic acetylide ion attacks the electrophilic carbon of the primary alkyl halide from the backside.
<img alt="Nucleophilic substitution reaction mechanism diagram with alkynes, NaBr formation, chemical process." src="/files/ftp_upload/11834/11834_PT_Figure_4.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 250px;" data-altupdatedat="1747908711000" data-alt="Figure4">
Since this is a concerted process, the nucleophilic attack and the departure of the leaving group takes place simultaneously to form the product with an inverted stereochemistry at the reaction center.
The reaction works best with unhindered alkyl halides like methyl halide and other primary halides. With secondary and tertiary alkyl halides, acetylide ions act as strong bases, in which case E2 elimination is the preferred pathway.
<h4>Application in organic synthesis </h4>
Alkylation of simple terminal alkynes is a useful method to extend the length of the carbon chain. Acetylene, a terminal alkyne, can be converted to a higher internal alkyne by repeated alkylation as shown below:
<img alt="Alkyne chain elongation via NaNH₂, CH₃Br; reaction equation diagram for organic synthesis." src="/files/ftp_upload/11834/11834_PT_Figure_5.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 50px;" data-altupdatedat="1747908711000" data-alt="Figure5">

Introduction
Alkylation of terminal alkynes with primary alkyl halides in the presence of a strong base like sodium amide is one of the common methods for ...

Preparation of Alkynes: Dehydrohalogenation

<h4>Introduction</h4>
Alkynes can be prepared by dehydrohalogenation of vicinal or geminal dihalides in the presence of a strong base like sodium amide in liquid ammonia. The reaction proceeds with the loss of two equivalents of hydrogen halide (HX) via two successive E2 elimination reactions.
<img alt="Chemical reaction diagram, alkyne synthesis, 2NaNH2/NH3, hydrogen elimination, organic chemistry." src="/files/ftp_upload/11835/11835_PT_Figure_1.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 200px;" data-altupdatedat="1747908711000" data-alt="Figure1">
<h4>Reaction Mechanism – E2 pathway</h4>
Vicinal dihalides
In the first elimination step, the strong base abstracts the proton from the dihalide that is oriented anti to the leaving group. Since E2 reactions follow a concerted pathway, the abstraction of a proton and departure of the halide leaving group occur simultaneously to form a haloalkene.
<img alt="Birch reduction mechanism diagram, showing electron flow in organic compound reaction." src="/files/ftp_upload/11835/11835_PT_Figure_2.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 90px;" data-altupdatedat="1747908711000" data-alt="Figure2">
In the second elimination reaction, another equivalent of the strong base reacts with the haloalkene in a similar fashion to give the desired alkyne.
<img alt="Elimination reaction mechanism diagram, E2 mechanism, showing alkene formation from alkyl halide." src="/files/ftp_upload/11835/11835_PT_Figure_3.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 90px;" data-altupdatedat="1747908711000" data-alt="Figure3">
Geminal dihalides
Likewise, geminal dihalides, when treated with two equivalents of a sodium amide, undergo double dehydrohalogenation to give alkynes.
<img alt="Alkyne formation reaction; sodium amide abstracting proton; chemical equation diagram; synthesis method." src="/files/ftp_upload/11835/11835_PT_Figure_4.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 90px;" data-altupdatedat="1747908711000" data-alt="Figure4">
<img alt="Chemical reaction mechanism, arrow-pushing diagram, alkyne formation using sodium amide." src="/files/ftp_upload/11835/11835_PT_Figure_5.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 90px;" data-altupdatedat="1747908711000" data-alt="Figure5">
Terminal dihalides 
Dehydrohalogenation of terminal dihalides yields terminal alkynes as the final product. In the presence of a strong base like sodium amide, terminal alkynes get converted to acetylide ions. In such cases, a third equivalent of the base is required to complete the dehydrohalogenation of the remaining haloalkene.
<img alt="Hofmann elimination reaction; chemical equations diagram; synthesis process using NaNH2; alkyne formation." src="/files/ftp_upload/11835/11835_PT_Figure_6.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 70px;" data-altupdatedat="1747908711000" data-alt="Figure6">
Protonation of the acetylide ions with water or an aqueous acid completes the reaction.
<img alt="Organic reaction mechanism with sodium acetylide, water; diagram illustrating nucleophilic attack." src="/files/ftp_upload/11835/11835_PT_Figure_7.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 50px;" data-altupdatedat="1747908711000" data-alt="Figure7">
<h4>Application in Organic Synthesis</h4>
Dehydrohalogenation of vicinal dihalides is a useful intermediate step in the conversion of alkenes to alkynes. For example, chlorination of 1-propene gives 1,2-dichloropropane – a vicinal dihalide, which upon double dehydrohalogenation yields 1-propyne.
<img alt="Alkene to alkyne conversion diagram; chemical reaction mechanism, dichlorination, dehydrohalogenation." src="/files/ftp_upload/11835/11835_PT_Figure_8.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 60px;" data-altupdatedat="1747908711000" data-alt="Figure8">
Similarly, alkynes can also be synthesized from ketones via dehydrohalogenation of geminal dihalides. For example, treatment of acetone with phosphorous pentachloride yields 2,2-dichloropropane – a geminal dihalide, which undergoes double dehydrohalogenation to give 1-propyne.
<img alt="Organic synthesis mechanism; ketone to alkyne via substitution and elimination; chemical reaction diagram." src="/files/ftp_upload/11835/11835_PT_Figure_9.svg" style="text-align: center; height: 80px;" data-altupdatedat="1747908711000" data-alt="Figure9">

Introduction
Alkynes can be prepared by dehydrohalogenation of vicinal or geminal dihalides in the presence of a strong base like sodium amide in liquid ...

Metal-free Synthesis of Ynones from Acyl Chlorides and Potassium Alkynyltrifluoroborate Salts

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