A number of alkynols have been prepared by Sonogoshira coupling of propargyl alcohol to disubstituted aromatic halides. Chelation controlled addition of organometallic nucleophiles to these alkynols was then affected followed by the addition of sulfur dioxide. This methodology was used to prepare a number of oxathiolene oxides which have been screened as NQO1 (quinone oxidoreductase) inducers.

The novel compounds such as (III) show low activity as NQO1 inducers and are not as effective as the monosubstituted analogues. -(YING, M.; SMENTEK, M. G.; MA, R.; DAY, C. S.; TORTI, S. V.; WELKER*, M. E.; Lett.