Ru(ii)-catalyzed direct alkynylation of 2-acylimidazoles with TIPS-alkynes or TIPS-bromoalkynes under air

Abstract

A Ru(II)-catalyzed ortho-alkynylation of 2-acylimidazoles is reported, demonstrating compatibility with TIPS-protected terminal alkynes or TIPS-protected bromoalkynes as alkynylating reagents. The reaction tolerates a wide range of functional groups, and the resulting alkynylated products can be readily transformed into high-value compounds, offering promising applications in medicinal chemistry and materials science. This strategy addresses an existing gap by proposing that the alkynylation reaction proceeds through six-membered ruthenacycle intermediates.