10.1002/bkcs.11755
The study presents a synthetic method for the preparation of ethyl 4-(alkyl or arylsulfonamido)-2-naphthoates, which are derivatives of 1-aminonaphthalene, 3-aminobenzofuran, and 3-aminobenzothiophene. These compounds are significant due to their presence in biologically active molecules used in cancer treatment and as inhibitors for various enzymes. The synthesis involves a copper(I)-catalyzed cyclization reaction of ethyl (E)-α-ethynyl-β-aryl-α,β-unsaturated esters with N-sulfonyl azides in the presence of 2,6-lutidine in THF at 60°C for 3 hours. This method efficiently produces a wide range of the aforementioned derivatives with the release of molecular nitrogen. The chemicals used in the study include ethyl (E)-α-ethynyl-β-aryl-α,β-unsaturated esters as starting materials, N-sulfonyl azides as reactants, 2,6-lutidine as a base, and copper(I) as a catalyst, all serving specific roles in the cyclization reaction to form the desired aminonaphthalene and related derivatives.