Transition Metal Catalyst Free Cross-Coupling Reaction of Tertiary Propargylic Alcohols with Hetero-Areneboronic Acids

We report a perfluorophenylboronic acid catalyzed cross coupling reaction of tertiary propargylic alcohols and hetero-areneboronic acids for valuable benzo[b]thiophene and cyclopenta[a]indene derivates. This coupling reaction proceeds efficiently with a wide array of substrates scope in up to 89% yield and excellent regioselectivity. A significant advantage of our protocol is the transition metal catalyst free and mild conditions needed. This strategy provides direct and facile access to medicinally important benzo[b]thiophene and cyclopenta[a]indene scaffold containing a quaternary carbon center.