Copper(I)-Phosphinite Complexes in Click Cycloadditions: Three-Component Reactions and Preparation of 5-Iodotriazoles.

The remarkable activity displayed by copper(I)-phosphinite complexes of general formula [CuBr(L)] in two challenging cycloadditions is reported: a) the one-pot azidonation/cycloaddition of boronic acids, NaN3, and terminal alkynes; b) the cycloaddition of azides and iodoalkynes. These air-stable catalysts led to very good results in both cases and the expected triazoles could be isolated in pure form under 'Click-suitable' conditions.

[CuBr(PPh3)3] for azide-alkyne cycloaddition reactions under strict Click conditions.

A careful methodological study revealed a true Click catalytic system based on commercially available [CuBr(PPh(3))(3)]. This system is active at room temperature, with 0.5 mol % [Cu] (or less), in the absence of any additive, and it does not require any purification step to isolate pure triazoles.