A Decade of Advances in Alkynyl Sulfone and Alkynyl Chalcogenide Synthesis

Abstract

Over the past decade, the synthesis of alkynyl chalcogen derivatives has witnessed significant advances. Modern methodologies have increasingly focused on sustainable protocols, catalytic efficiency, milder reaction conditions, and atom-economical processes. Traditional approaches relying on harsh reagents or stoichiometric activators have increasingly been replaced by transition-metal-catalyzed couplings, photoredox transformations, electrochemical processes, and metal-free oxidative strategies. These innovations have enabled access to structurally diverse alkynyl sulfones, sulfides, selenides, tellurides, and their trifluoromethylated counterparts. This review highlights the progress made during the last ten years, emphasizing mechanistic innovations, improvements in selectivity and functional group tolerance, and the expanding chemical space accessible through chalcogen-substituted alkynes.