Z-selective radical difunctionalization of aromatic alkynes: synthesis of multi-substituted triarylethenes

Abstract

An efficient method for the radical difunctionalization of aromatic alkynes has been developed, resulting in the synthesis of a range of valuable triarylethenes. This approach utilizes strategically designed aryldiazonium salts with tertiary alcohol substitution as bifunctional reagents, along with cost-effective cuprous chloride as a catalyst. The method demonstrates remarkable Z-selectivity and is capable of gram-scale preparation. Additionally, a novel spin-trapping reagent has been developed based on the synthesized product.