Synthesis of Non-Terminal Alkenyl Ethers, Alkenyl Sulfides, and N-Vinylazoles from Arylaldehydes or Diarylketones, DMSO and O, S, N-Nucleophiles

A transition-metal-free protocol for the synthesis of non-terminal alkenyl ethers, alkenyl sulfides, and N-vinylazoles from arylaldehydes or diarylketones, DMSO and O, S, N-nucleophiles has been reported. In this protocol, 24 examples of non-terminal alkenyl ethers and 28 examples of non-terminal alkenyl sulfides in 72-95% yields have been synthesized within 5 min. Moreover, 27 examples of non-terminal N-vinylazoles with 57-88% yields have also been synthesized within 2 hours. The preliminary mechanism investigations revealed that arylaldehydes or diarylketones offered a carbon atom, DMSO provided a methine and O, S, N-nucleophiles contributed one X atom for constructing C=C-X structure.

Automated summary

A transition-metal-free protocol has been developed for the synthesis of non-terminal alkenyl ethers, alkenyl sulfides, and N-vinylazoles. The method offers high yields and rapid reaction times.