Formylation of Propargylic Alcohols with Difluorocarbene

We have developed an efficient method for the formylation reaction of propargylic alcohols and sodium chlorodifluoroacetate under mild conditions. It is the first example of the use of difluorocarbene as a carbonyl source and the reaction of propargylic alcohols to form formates.

Abstract

A method for the synthesis of propargylic formates from propargylic alcohols and sodium chlorodifluoroacetate is reported. In the reaction, sodium chlorodifluoroacetate is used as a difluorocarbene precursor and a formylating reagent to provide a carbonyl source, while the triple bond of propargylic alcohols is not involved. The method shows convenient operation, good functional group tolerance and high site-selectivity under mild reaction conditions.

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