SuFEx-Functionalized Quinones via Ruthenium-Catalyzed C-H Alkenylation: A Potential Building Block for Bioactivity Valorization.

ABSTRACT

Herein, we describe the Ru-catalyzed C-H alkenylation of 1,4-naphthoquinones (1,4-NQs), resulting in 1,4-naphthoquinoidal/SuFEx hybrids with moderate to good yields. This method provides a novel route for direct access to ethenesulfonyl-fluorinated quinone structures. We conducted mechanistic studies to gain an in-depth understanding of the elementary steps of the reaction. Additionally, we evaluated the prototypes against trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi, leading to the identification of compounds with potent trypanocidal activity.