Regioselective Synthesis of 4-Substituted-1-Aryl-1-butanones Using a Sonogashira-Hydration Strategy: Copper-Free Palladium-Catalyzed Reaction of Terminal Alkynes with Aryl Bromides

Abstract

A simple one-pot procedure has been developed for the synthesis of 4-substituted-l-aryl-1-butanones through copper-free Sonogashira reaction of aryl bromides with terminal alkynes in DMF under inert atmosphere, followed by the treatment with acid in the presence of oxygen. A variety of aryl bromides was reacted with 3-butyn-1-ol according to this procedure to give the expected compounds in good yield. The mechanism of the reaction and applications of the methodology are discussed.