Tandem cyclization and defluorinative cyanation of CF3-enynes: mild access to cyano-azulenes

Abstract

A mild, metal-free cascade synthesis of cyano-azulenes directly from CF₃-enynes is described. Enabled by an O-acylhydroxylamine triflate, this tandem cyclization and defluorinative cyanation efficiently circumvents the harsh conditions typically required for inert C–F bond cleavage, providing straightforward access to highly valuable azulene scaffolds.