Synthesis of Alkynyl Sulfones

Abstract

AbstractAlkynyl sulfones are organic structures of high synthetic interest, since they can react with nucleophiles by conjugated addition (Michael addition) or through anti‐Michael addition. Such interesting reactive properties make these compounds important intermediates in the synthesis of more complex organic molecules or naturally occurring products. Despite the use of alkynyl sulfones as starting materials (or intermediates), there was not a real interest in developing specific methodologies for their synthesis. Therefore, the synthesis of alkynyl sulfones remained unchanged for a long time. It was not until the 1970s that studies focused on the development of new synthetic routes began to emerge. This Mini Review presents the advances and the state of the art of the synthesis of alkynyl sulfones. Methodologies described in the manuscript are classified according to the starting materials and reagents used. Moreover, every class is arranged in chronological order.