One-pot Synthesis of Pyrroles from Terminal Alkynes, N-Sulfonyl Azides, and Alkenyl Alkyl Ethers

Lee et al. have reported the one-pot synthesis of pyrroles from terminal alkynes, N-sulfonyl azides, and alkenyl alkyl ethers in the presence of copper and rhodium catalysts. According to their results, terminal alkynes react with N-sulfonyl azides in the presence of CuTC catalyst to afford 1-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles. Subsequent treatment with Rh₂(OAc)₄ catalyst affords α-imino rhodium carbene complexes, which react with alkenyl alkyl ethers to afford the corresponding substituted pyrroles. This reaction can be applied to a wide range of substrates.