Ru-Catalyzed Propargylation of Aromatics and Heteroaromatics

Significance

Inter- and intramolecular Ru-catalyzed propargylation of aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds is reported. The reaction proceeds using catalyst 1 in the presence of ammonium tetrafluoroborate under mild conditions leading to regioselective formation of propargylated furans, indoles, as well as aromatics in moderate to high yields. An interesting intramolecular version of this reaction, shown in the scheme, was also established. Some limitations for the propargylation process have been noted, e.g.,acetanilide, 1,3-dimeth­oxybenzene, p-xylene and toluene, among others, failed.