Strained alkynes derived from 2,2′-dihydroxy-1,1′-biaryls; Synthesis and copper-free cycloaddition with azides

Abstract

A series of strained alkynes were prepared from 2,2′-dihydroxy-biaryls. Several were characterised by X-ray crystallography, revealing strained C(sp)-C(sp)-C(sp3) bond angles in the range of 163-167°. Their cycloadditions with azides proceed without a catalyst. Functionalised versions of these reagents have potential applications to materials synthesis and bioconjugations.