One-pot Synthesis of Terminal Alkynes

Ohira has reported an efficient method for the synthesis of terminal alkynes using phosphonate 1.^1a) According to this report, 1 reacts with aldehydes in the presence of potassium carbonate and methanol to give terminal alkynes in high yield. Bestmann et al. also reported that the reaction mentioned above proceeds at room temperature even if it is not in inert atmosphere.^1b) Compound 1 is widely known as the Ohira-Bestmann reagent after its discoverers, and it is widely used in various fields as a powerful method for preparing terminal alkynes.

In addition, there have been reports on methods for producing terminal alkynes by one-pot synthesis from esters, amides with reducing agents,²⁾ and from alcohols with oxidizing agents,³⁾ without the need for isolation of intermediates.