Expanding the Frontier of Linear Drug Design: Cu‐Catalyzed C_sp–C_sp³‐Coupling of Electron‐Deficient SF₄‐Alkynes with Alkyl Iodides

Abstract

Despite the attractive properties of tetrafluorosulfanyl (SF4) compounds in drug discovery, medicinal research on SF4 molecules is hindered by the scarcity of suitable synthetic methodologies. Drawing inspiration from the well‐established Sonogashira cross‐coupling of terminal alkynes under Pd‐catalysis, it is envisioned that SF4‐alkynes can serve as effective coupling partners. To overcome the challenges associated with the electron‐deficient nature of SF4‐alkynes and the lability of the SF4 unit under transition‐metal catalysis, an aryl radical mediated Csp–Csp3 cross‐coupling reaction is successfully developed under Cu catalysis. This methodology facilitates the coupling of SF4‐alkynes with alkyl iodides, leading to the immediate synthesis of SF4‐attached drug‐like molecules. These findings highlight the potential impact of SF4‐containing molecules in the drug industry, paving the way for further research in this emerging field.