Stereoconvergent and -divergent Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Alkenes by Nickel-Catalyzed Cross-Couplings

Ligand-Enabled Nondirected and Regioselective Arylation of Internal Alkenes with Simple Arenes

Regioselective functionalization of internal alkenes has become a highly efficient approach for preparing stereochemically defined multi-substituted olefins. Unlike traditional methods that require directing groups, activating groups, or active chemical bonds (e.g., halide, pseudo halide, organometallic reagent, etc.), there remains a strong demand for nondirected and selective functionalization of unactivated alkenes with simple coupling partners, both in academic research or industrial applications. Herein, we report the development of a pyridone-oxazoline (Pyoox) type ligand that combines the features of both pyridone and pyridine-oxazoline in assisting Pd-catalyzed olefination. This ligand enables the activation of simple (hetero) arenes and internal alkenes within a single reaction system. A nondirected and regioselective arylation from simple raw materials has been achieved, providing a straightforward route to various trisubstituted olefins in moderate to excellent yields, with excellent regio-/stereocontrol. Experimental and computational studies on mechanisms offer insight into the distinctive properties and performance of this ligand-promoted catalysis. The synthetic utility of this method is further demonstrated by the simplified synthesis and late-stage diversification of bioactive molecules.

Catalytic stereoselective synthesis of all-carbon tetra-substituted alkenes via Z-selective alkyne difunctionalization

We report a Ni-catalyzed cascade reaction leading to the arylation of an alkyne-induced acyl migration and the formation of all-carbon tetra-substituted alkenes in good yields with exclusive Z-selectivity. This transformation involves the generation of a nucleophilic vinyl-Ni species through regioselective syn-aryl nickelation of the alkynes, followed by an intramolecular acyl migration. The steric and electronic properties of the phosphine ligands are crucial for achieving high regio- and stereocontrol in this migratory carbo-acylation process. The synthetic utility of the resulting Z-tetra-substituted alkenes is also demonstrated.

Cooperative Ruthenium/Amine Catalysis of the Cross-Coupling of Ketones as Alkenyl Electrophiles

Cross-coupling reactions using ketones directly as alkenyl electrophiles proceed efficiently in the presence of a cooperative Ru and amine catalytic system. The amine catalyst functions as the transient leaving group of an in situ generated enamine, where the alkenyl C-N bond is cleaved with the aid of a pyridine directing group and the Ru catalyst. A ketone with a 3-substituted pyridyl group is essential for a smooth reaction.

Aqueous/Nonaqueous DBU Mixtures: Versatile Switching Media for Chemoselective Aldol, Baylis-Hillman, and Aldol Condensation Reactions

Isophorone is a relatively small molecule with several neighboring reacting sites, making it susceptible to various competing reactions with aldehydes, including aldol, Baylis-Hillman (BH), aldol condensation, and Michael addition reactions. In the present work, we have designed a switchable 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU)-catalyzed procedure, where the reaction of isophorone with aldehydes is guided chemoselectively toward either aldol, BH, or aldol condensation reactions, depending on the use of water and/or heat. This controllable divergency likely stems from the ability to tune the dual nucleophilicity/basicity characters of the DBU/H2O medium. In other words, the nucleophilicity of DBU plays a crucial role in directing the process toward the formation of the BH adducts in the absence of water. At the same time, the aldol pathway dominates when water is present. The conditions were amenable for tandem processes, as demonstrated for an aldol condensation/Diels-Alder sequence.

Applying statistical modeling strategies to sparse datasets in synthetic chemistry

The application of statistical modeling in organic chemistry is emerging as a standard practice for probing structure-activity relationships and as a predictive tool for many optimization objectives. This review is aimed as a tutorial for those entering the area of statistical modeling in chemistry. We provide case studies to highlight the considerations and approaches that can be used to successfully analyze datasets in low data regimes, a common situation encountered given the experimental demands of organic chemistry. Statistical modeling hinges on the data (what is being modeled), descriptors (how data are represented), and algorithms (how data are modeled). Herein, we focus on how various reaction outputs (e.g., yield, rate, selectivity, solubility, stability, and turnover number) and data structures (e.g., binned, heavily skewed, and distributed) influence the choice of algorithm used for constructing predictive and chemically insightful statistical models.

Data Science Guiding Analysis of Organic Reaction Mechanism and Prediction

Advancements in synthetic organic chemistry are closely related to understanding substrate and catalyst reactivities through detailed mechanistic studies. Traditional mechanistic investigations are labor-intensive and rely on experimental kinetic, thermodynamic, and spectroscopic data. Linear free energy relationships (LFERs), exemplified by Hammett relationships, have long facilitated reactivity prediction despite their inherent limitations when using experimental constants or incorporating comprehensive experimental data. Data-driven modeling, which integrates cheminformatics with machine learning, offers powerful tools for predicting and interpreting mechanisms and effectively handling complex reactivities through multiparameter strategies. This review explores selected examples of data-driven strategies for investigating organic reaction mechanisms. It highlights the evolution and application of computational descriptors for mechanistic inference.

C-S-Selective Stille-Coupling Enables Stereodefined Alkene Synthesis

A palladium-catalyzed highly C-S-selective Stille cross-coupling between aryl thianthrenium salts and tri- or tetrasubstituted alkenyl stannanes is described. Herein, critical challenges including site- and chemoselectivity control are well addressed through C-H thianthrenation and C-S alkenylation, thereby providing an expedient access to stereodefined tri- and tetrasubstituted alkenes in a stereoretentive fashion. Indeed, the palladium-catalyzed Stille-alkenylation of poly(pseudo)halogenated arenes displays privileged capability to differentiate C-S over C-I, C-Br, C-Cl bonds, as well as oxygen-based triflates (C-OTf), tosylates (C-OTs), carbamates and sulfamates under mild reaction conditions. Sequential and multiple cross-couplings via selective C-X functionalization should be widely applicable for increasing functional molecular complexity. Modular installation of stereospecific alkene motifs into pharmaceuticals illustrated the synthetic application of the present protocol in drug discovery.

Nickel-Catalyzed Stereoconvergent C(sp2)-F Alkenylation of Monofluoroalkenes

The stereoconvergent synthesis of a single stereoisomer from E/Z-olefin mixtures remains one of the foremost challenges in organic synthesis. Herein, we describe a nickel-catalyzed stereoconvergent cross-coupling between E- and Z-mixed monofluoroalkenes and alkenyl electrophiles, which allows the construction of C(sp2)-C(sp2) bonds. This defluorinative transformation offers facile access to various 1,3-dienes with E-selectivity and good functional group tolerance. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction most likely proceeds through a migratory insertion/β-F elimination/isomerization process.

Palladium-catalyzed syn-alkynylarylation of internal alkynes: rapid access to all-carbon tetrasubstituted alkenes

Herein, a straightforward method for rapid access to all-carbon tertrasubstituted alkenes bearing alkyl, aryl and alkynyl groups is established via palladium-catalyzed three-component cross-coupling reaction of internal alkynes, haloalkynes and arylboronic acids. This protocol is characterized by a broad substrate scope and excellent chemo- and regioselectivities. The dual beneficial roles of silver salts in activating haloalkynes and inhibiting bromoalkynylation have been demonstrated by serving as both the Lewis acid and halide scavenger.

Ni-Catalyzed Kumada-Corriu Cross-Coupling Reactions of Tertiary Grignard Reagents and Bromostyrenes

The development of protocols for the construction of congested quaternary centers is highly sought-after. Herein, we report a method for the cross-coupling of C(sp3) tertiary Grignard reagents with C(sp2) styrenyl bromides using readily available nickel precatalysts. We identified conditions that afford the products in practical yield for several combinations of electrophiles and nucleophiles, including sensitive α-magnesiated Grignard reagents. Dependent upon the nature of their substituents, regiodivergency was observed when α-vinyl bromides were employed.

Paving the road towards automated homogeneous catalyst design

In the past decade, computational tools have become integral to catalyst design. They continue to offer significant support to experimental organic synthesis and catalysis researchers aiming for optimal reaction outcomes. More recently, data-driven approaches utilizing machine learning have garnered considerable attention for their expansive capabilities. This Perspective provides an overview of diverse initiatives in the realm of computational catalyst design and introduces our automated tools tailored for high-throughput in silico exploration of the chemical space. While valuable insights are gained through methods for high-throughput in silico exploration and analysis of chemical space, their degree of automation and modularity are key. We argue that the integration of data-driven, automated and modular workflows is key to enhancing homogeneous catalyst design on an unprecedented scale, contributing to the advancement of catalysis research.

Anti-Selective Carbosilylation: Nickel-Catalyzed Multicomponent Reaction of Solid Me3SiZnI

The stereodefined and highly substituted vinylsilanes are essential building blocks for constructing complex organic molecules. Transition metal-mediated silylmetalation of alkynes was developed to overcome the limitations of conventional hydrosilylations; however, a very limited study was carried out to utilize transient vinylmetal species in cross-coupling reactions. Moreover, they produce syn-adduct, and the anti-selective cross-coupling is still unknown and highly desired. Silylzinc reagents are highly functional group tolerant, however, their synthesis from pyrophoric silyllithium and dissolved lithium salts hampers cross-coupling reactions. Our novel solid silylzinc reagents circumvent these constraints are employed in the anti-selective synthesis of vinylsilanes via a multi-component reaction involving Me3SiZnI, terminal alkynes, and activated alkyl halides. An intensive computational and experimental investigation of the mechanism reveals an equilibrium between the intermediate syn- and anti-adducts; the greater barrier at the single electron reduction of alkyl halides and the thermodynamic stability of the Ni(III) adduct determine the anti-selectivity.

Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Alkenes by Rhodium-Catalyzed Regioselective Cyano Transfer

We describe herein a novel, general, and robust approach to structurally diversified alkenyl nitriles through a Rh-catalyzed cyano transfer reaction between alkynyl-malononitrile derivatives and aryl/alkenyl boronic acids. This reaction exhibits high chemo- and regioselectivity and a broad substrate scope. The tetrasubstituted alkenyl dinitriles (34 examples, average 58% yield) are obtained through substrate tuning and ligand control.

Synthesis of Seven- and Eight-Membered Rings by a Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Cationic Carbocyclization of Biphenyl Embedded Enynes

A Brønsted acid catalyzed cyclization of o-alkenyl-o'-alkynylbiaryls for the synthesis of biologically relevant dibenzo-fused medium-sized rings has been developed. The outcome of the cyclization is determined by the nature of the substituent at the alkyne, with arenes favoring seven-membered rings and alkyl substituents producing eight-membered rings. These reactions proceed via a vinyl cation, which is captured by water and, notably, by C-nucleophiles, such as electron-rich (hetero)arenes.

Photocatalytic Z/E isomerization unlocking the stereodivergent construction of axially chiral alkene frameworks

The past century has witnessed a large number of reports on the Z/E isomerization of alkenes. However, the vast majority of them are still limited to the isomerization of di- and tri-substituted alkenes. The stereospecific Z/E isomerization of tetrasubstituted alkenes remains to be an underdeveloped area, thus lacking in a stereodivergent synthesis of axially chiral alkenes. Herein we report the atroposelective synthesis of tetrasubstituted alkene analogues by asymmetric allylic substitution-isomerization, followed by their Z/E isomerization via triplet energy transfer photocatalysis. In this regard, the stereodivergent synthesis of axially chiral N-vinylquinolinones is achieved efficiently. Mechanistic studies indicate that the benzylic radical generation and distribution are two key factors for preserving the enantioselectivities of axially chiral compounds.

Unlocking Diverse π-Bond Enrichment Frameworks by the Synthesis and Conversion of Boronated Phenyldiethynylethylenes

The π-bond enrichment frameworks not only serve as a crucial building block in organic synthesis but also assume a pivotal role in the fields of materials science, biomedicine, photochemistry, and other related disciplines owing to their distinctive structural characteristics. The incorporation of various substituents into the C═C double bonds of tetrasubstituted alkenes is currently a highly significant research area. However, the synthesis of tetrasubstituted alkenes with diverse substituents on double bonds poses a significant challenge in achieving stereoselectivity. Here, we reported an efficient and convergent route of Cu-catalyzed borylalkynylation of both symmetrical and unsymmetrical 1,3-diynes, B2pin2, and acetylene bromide to the construction of boronated phenyldiethynylethylene (BPDEE) derivatives with excellent chemo-, stereo-, and regioselectivities. BPDEE derivatives could transform into novel tetrasubstituted organic π-conjugated gem-diphenyldiethynylethylene (DPDEE), vinylphenyldiethynylethylene (VPDEE), and phenyltriethynylethylene (PTEE) derivatives by a stepwise process, which provides a flexible platform for the synthesis of complex π-bond enrichment frameworks that were difficult to synthesize by previous methods. The initial optical characterization revealed that the synthesized molecules exhibited aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties, which further establishes the groundwork for future applications and enriches and advances the field of functional π-conjugated frameworks research.

Cooperative Photoredox and N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Fluoroaroylation for the Synthesis of α-Trifluoromethyl-Substituted Ketones

α-Trifluoromethylated ketones have attracted significant attention as valuable building blocks in organic synthesis. Such compounds are generally accessed through trifluoromethylation of ketones. Here we report an alternative disconnection approach for the construction of α-CF3 carbonyl compounds by using aroyl fluorides as bifunctional reagents for fluoroaroylation of gem-difluoroalkenes through cooperative photoredox and N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis. This strategy bypasses the use of expensive or sensitive trifluoromethylation reagents and/or the requirement for ketone pre-functionalization, thus enabling an efficient and general synthetic method to access α-CF3 -substituted ketones. A wide variety of gem-difluoroalkenes and aroyl fluorides bearing a diverse set of functional groups are eligible substrates. Notably, the developed methodology also provides rapid access to mono- or difluoroalkyl ketones. Mechanistic studies reveal that merging photoredox catalysis with NHC catalysis is essential for the reaction.

Iterative Dual-Metal and Energy Transfer Catalysis Enables Stereodivergence in Alkyne Difunctionalization: Carboboration as Case Study

Stereochemically defined tetrasubstituted olefins are widespread structural elements of organic molecules and key intermediates in organic synthesis. However, flexible methods enabling stereodivergent access to E and Z isomers of fully substituted alkenes from a common precursor represent a significant challenge and are actively sought after in catalysis, especially those amenable to complex multifunctional molecules. Herein, we demonstrate that iterative dual-metal and energy transfer catalysis constitutes a unique platform for achieving stereodivergence in the difunctionalization of internal alkynes. The utility of this approach is showcased by the stereodivergent synthesis of both stereoisomers of tetrasubstituted β-boryl acrylates from internal alkynoates with excellent stereocontrol via sequential carboboration and photoisomerization. The reluctance of electron-deficient internal alkynes to undergo catalytic carboboration has been overcome through cooperative Cu/Pd-catalysis, whereas an Ir complex was identified as a versatile sensitizer that is able to photoisomerize the resulting sterically crowded alkenes. Mechanistic studies by means of quantum-chemical calculations, quenching experiments, and transient absorption spectroscopy have been applied to unveil the mechanism of both steps.

Iron-Catalyzed Stereoconvergent 1,4-Hydrosilylation of Conjugated Dienes

Stereoconvergent transformation of E/Z mixtures of olefins to products with a single steric configuration is of great practical importance but hard to achieve. Herein, we report an iron-catalyzed stereoconvergent 1,4-hydrosilylation reactions of E/Z mixtures of readily available conjugated dienes for the synthesis of Z-allylsilanes with high regioselectivity and exclusive stereoselectivity. Mechanistic studies suggest that the reactions most likely proceed through a two-electron redox mechanism. The stereoselectivity of the reactions is ultimately determined by the crowded reaction cavity of the α-diimine ligand-modified iron catalyst, which forces the conjugated diene to coordinate with the iron center in a cis conformation, which in turn results in generation of an anti-π-allyl iron intermediate. The mechanism of this stereoconvergent transformation differs from previously reported mechanisms of other related reactions involving radicals or metal-hydride species.

Photoinduced NiH Catalysis with Trialkylamines for the Stereodivergent Transfer Semi-Hydrogenation of Alkynes

We report a selectivity-switchable nickel hydride-catalyzed methodology that enables the stereocontrolled semi-reduction of internal alkynes to E- or Z-alkenes under very mild conditions. The proposed transfer semi-hydrogenation process involves the use of a dual nickel/photoredox catalytic system and triethylamine, not only as a sacrificial reductant, but also as a source of hydrogen atoms. Mechanistic studies revealed a pathway involving photo-induced generation of nickel hydride, syn-hydronickelation of alkyne, and alkenylnickel isomerization as key steps. Remarkably, mechanistic experiments indicate that the control of the stereoselectivity is not ensuing from a post-reduction alkene photoisomerization under our conditions. Instead, we demonstrate that the stereoselectivity of the reaction is dependent on the rate of a final protonolysis step which can be tuned by adjusting the pKa of an alcohol additive.

Asymmetric anti-Selective Borylalkylation of Terminal Alkynes by Nickel Catalysis

Selective transformation of alkyne triple bonds to double bonds serves as an efficient platform to construct substituted alkenes. While significant advances have been made in its spatiotemporal regulation, achieving a multicomponent enantioselective reaction that requires multifaceted selectivity issues to be overcome is still uncommon. Here, we report an unprecedented asymmetric anti-stereoselective borylcarbofunctionalization of terminal alkynes by nickel catalysis. The utilization of an inexpensive chiral diamine ligand enables the three-component cross-coupling of terminal alkynes, a diboron reagent, and prochiral alkyl electrophiles with high levels of regio-, stereo-, and enantioselectivities. This reaction provides an efficient protocol to access enantioenriched alkenyl esters bearing an α-stereogenic center, is remarkably practical, and has a broad scope and an outstanding functional group compatibility. In addition, the value of this method has been highlighted in a diversity of follow-up stereoretentive derivatizations and the stereoselective concise synthesis of complex drug molecules.

C(sp2)-H Hydroxylation via Catalytic 1,4-Ni Migration with N2O

Herein, we report a Ni-catalyzed C(sp2)-H hydroxylation of aryl bromides with N2O as an oxygen-atom donor. The reaction is enabled by a 1,4-Ni translocation that results in ipso/ortho difunctionalized products. Regioselectivity and stereocontrol are dictated by a judicious choice of the ligand backbone, thus giving access to either carbonyl or phenol derivatives and offering an opportunity to repurpose hazardous substances en route to valuable oxygen-containing building blocks.

Generality-oriented optimization of enantioselective aminoxyl radical catalysis

Catalytic enantioselective methods that are generally applicable to a broad range of substrates are rare. We report a strategy for the oxidative desymmetrization of meso-diols predicated on a nontraditional catalyst optimization protocol by using a panel of screening substrates rather than a singular model substrate. Critical to this approach was rational modulation of a peptide sequence in the catalyst incorporating a distinct aminoxyl-based active residue. A general catalyst emerged, providing high selectivity in the delivery of enantioenriched lactones across a broad range of diols, while also achieving up to ~100,000 turnovers.

Electrogenerated Nickel Catalyst for C-N Cross-Coupling

Arylamines represent a class of compounds widely found in natural products and pharmaceuticals. Among methodologies devoted to their synthesis, nickel-catalyzed amination of aryl halides constitutes one of the most employed conventional strategies. However, C-N cross-couplings often involve elaborated nickel complexes, which are expensive and/or air and moisture sensitive. To circumvent this issue, we herein report an electrochemical method based on a sacrificial anode process to in situ generate a catalytic amount of nickel salts allowing amination of aryl halides. The approach, simple to set up, proceeds under mild reaction conditions and enables access to a large panel of arylamines.

Catalytic asymmetric C-H insertion reactions of vinyl carbocations

From the preparation of pharmaceuticals to enzymatic construction of natural products, carbocations are central to molecular synthesis. Although these reactive intermediates are engaged in stereoselective processes in nature, exerting enantiocontrol over carbocations with synthetic catalysts remains challenging. Many resonance-stabilized tricoordinated carbocations, such as iminium and oxocarbenium ions, have been applied in catalytic enantioselective reactions. However, their dicoordinated counterparts (aryl and vinyl carbocations) have not, despite their emerging utility in chemical synthesis. We report the discovery of a highly enantioselective vinyl carbocation carbon-hydrogen (C-H) insertion reaction enabled by imidodiphosphorimidate organocatalysts. Active site confinement featured in this catalyst class not only enables effective enantiocontrol but also expands the scope of vinyl cation C-H insertion chemistry, which broadens the utility of this transition metal-free C(sp3)-H functionalization platform.

Switchable In Situ SO2 Capture and CF3 Migration of Enol Triflates with Peroxyl Compounds under Iron Catalysis

Switchable in situ SO₂ capture and CF₃ migration of enol triflates with peroxyl compounds under iron catalysis are presented. By regulating the structure of peroxides, a variety of keto-functionalized dialkyl sulfones and α-trifluoromethyl ketones were selectively synthesized in good yields under mild conditions.

Endo-Selective Intramolecular Alkyne Hydroamidation Enabled by NiH Catalysis Incorporating Alkenylnickel Isomerization

Intramolecular alkyne hydroamidation represents a straightforward approach for the access to synthetically valuable cyclic enamides. Despite some advances made in this realm, the ability to attain a precise regiocontrol still remains challenging, especially for endo cyclization that leads to six-membered and larger azacyclic rings. Herein, we report a NiH-catalyzed intramolecular hydroamidation of alkynyl dioxazolones that allows for an excellent endo selectivity, thus affording a range of six- to eight-membered endocyclic enamides with a broad scope. Mechanistic investigations revealed that Ni(I) catalysis is operative in the current system, proceeding via regioselective syn-hydronickelation, alkenylnickel E/Z isomerization, and Ni-centered inner-sphere nitrenoid transfer. In particular, the key alkenylnickel isomerization step, which previously lacked mechanistic understandings, was found to take place through the η²-vinyl transition state. The synthetic value of this protocol was demonstrated by diastereoselective modifications of the obtained endocyclic enamides to highly functionalized δ-lactam scaffolds.

Copper-Catalyzed Ring-Opening Defluoroborylation of gem-Difluorinated Cyclobutenes: A General Route to Bifunctional 1,3-Dienes and Their Applications

The exploration of the reactivity of gem-difluorinated small-size rings has continuously drawn attention in recent years but is limited to three-membered carbocycles. Herein we report a copper-catalyzed reaction of gem-fluorinated cyclobutenes with bis(pinacolato)diboron (B₂pin₂). A sequence of defluoroborylation and a ring-opening process produces B,F-bifunctional 1,3-dienes in a stereoselective manner. The transformation together with the efficient downstream coupling of the boronate and the fluoride moieties collectively constitutes a modular route to highly functionalized and stereocontrolled 1,3-dienes.

A Comprehensive Discovery Platform for Organophosphorus Ligands for Catalysis

The design of molecular catalysts typically involves reconciling multiple conflicting property requirements, largely relying on human intuition and local structural searches. However, the vast number of potential catalysts requires pruning of the candidate space by efficient property prediction with quantitative structure-property relationships. Data-driven workflows embedded in a library of potential catalysts can be used to build predictive models for catalyst performance and serve as a blueprint for novel catalyst designs. Herein we introduce kraken, a discovery platform covering monodentate organophosphorus(III) ligands providing comprehensive physicochemical descriptors based on representative conformer ensembles. Using quantum-mechanical methods, we calculated descriptors for 1558 ligands, including commercially available examples, and trained machine learning models to predict properties of over 300000 new ligands. We demonstrate the application of kraken to systematically explore the property space of organophosphorus ligands and how existing data sets in catalysis can be used to accelerate ligand selection during reaction optimization.

Volcano Plots of Reaction Yields in Cross-Coupling Catalysis

It is critical to identify the influence of phosphine ligands on cross-coupling reactions to obtain a higher yield. In order to reveal ligands' effects, many descriptors have been proposed, which allow statistical analysis to be implemented in mining the structure-property relationship and providing mechanistic insights. This work combines the steric and electronic effects into a descriptor, %V_bur (min) - 3·HOMO-LUMO gap (eV) where %V_bur (min) is the minimum percent buried volume and the Boltzmann averaged gap is used. Volcano plots were well presented by yields (y-axis) and the descriptor (x-axis) for Ni- and Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. In addition, volcano peaks in these plots can be located to optimize reaction yields for experiments. Our work sheds light on the reaction mechanisms of phosphine ligands and delivers a strategy for choosing ligands in cross-coupling catalysis.

Regio- and Stereoselective Synthesis of Enol Carboxylate, Phosphate, and Sulfonate Esters via Iodo(III)functionalization of Alkynes

β-Iodo(III)enol carboxylates, phosphates, and tosylates can be efficiently synthesized through regio- and stereoselective iodo(III)functionalization of alkynes. The combination of chlorobenziodoxole and silver salt has proven to generate a versatile cationic iodine(III) electrophile to activate alkynes and engage various carboxylic acids, triethyl phosphate, and p-toluenesulfonic acid as nucleophiles. The β-iodo(III)enol esters serve as starting materials for the synthesis of multisubstituted alkenes through sequential cross-coupling of the C-I(III) and C-O bonds.