Synthesis of β-ketonitriles, α,β-alkynones and biscabinols from esters using tert-butoxide-assisted C(O)–C (i.e., acyl–C) coupling under ambient conditions

We demonstrated the synthesis of β-ketonitriles, α,β-alkynones, and biscarbinols using tert-butoxide-assisted C(CO)–C (i.e., acyl–C) coupling of esters under ambient conditions. tert-Butoxide-assisted C(CO)–C (i.e., acyl–C) coupling of esters with cyanomethylenes and acetylenes under transition metal-free ambient conditions gives β-ketonitriles, α,β-alkynones and/or aryl bis(phenylethynyl)carbinols in moderate-to-good yields. It is noteworthy that this is a rapid, facile, and efficient process under ambient conditions, and use of cheap and stable starting materials.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide