Synthesis of Azulen-1-yl Ketones via Oxidative Cleavage of C-C Multiple Bonds in N-Sulfonyl Enamides and 1-Alkynes under Air and Natural Sunlight.

A synthetic method to prepare azulen-1-yl ketones was developed via oxidative cleavage of the C-C double bond in the reaction of easily obtainable N-sulfonyl enamides with Cs2CO3 under air and natural sunlight and in the absence of a photosensitizer. Oxidative cleavage of C-C triple bonds was also demonstrated for the synthesis of azulen-1-yl ketones via a tandem Cu-catalyzed [3 + 2] cycloaddition, Rh-catalyzed arylation, photooxygenation, and ring-opening reaction in one pot under air and natural sunlight.

Diastereoselective N-sulfonylaminoalkenylation of azulenes from terminal alkynes and azides via N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles.

The development of rhodium-catalyzed diastereoselective N-sulfonylaminoalkenylation of azulenes using N-sulfonyltriazoles is described. This procedure can be successfully applied to rhodium-catalyzed diastereoselective N-sulfonylaminoalkenylation of azulenes starting from terminal alkynes and N-sulfonylazides via a three-component semi-one-pot process.