NaS-mediated synthesis of terminal alkynes from gem-dibromoalkenes.

The NaS-mediated facile synthesis of terminal alkynes from gem-dibromoalkenes, at 20/40 °C under open flask conditions has been developed. Various precursors derived from heteroaromatic/aromatic/aliphatic aldehydes were found compatible. The reaction is proposed to proceed through the Fritsch-Buttenberg-Wiechell (FBW) rearrangement involving the corresponding vinyl carbene.