Oxidative difunctionalization of alkynoates via cascade radical addition, aryl migration, and decarboxylation

A cascade radical oxidative difunctionalization of alkynoates with simple ethers for the construction of tri-substituted olefins is developed. The reaction undergoes cascade radical addition to C-C triple bond, 1,4-aryl migration, and decarboxylation to deliver a variety of difunctionalized alkenes in moderate to good yields. This procedure also represents a promising strategy for the direct functionalization of the alpha-Csp(3)-H bonds in ether derivatives. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.