A direct synthesis of allenes by a traceless Petasis reaction

J Am Chem Soc. 2012 Apr 4;134(13):5782-5. doi: 10.1021/ja301489n. Epub 2012 Mar 27.

Abstract

A one-pot synthesis of allenes by the 2-nitrobenzenesulfonylhydrazide-mediated coupling of hydroxyaldehydes or ketones with alkynyl trifluoroborate salts is reported. This mild process involves in situ formation of a sulfonylhydrazone that reacts with alkynyl trifluoroborates to generate a transient propargylic hydrazide species. Decomposition of this unstable hydrazide via an intermediate monoalkyldiazine produces the allene products through an alkene walk mechanism.