A direct α-Csp-H methylenation of arylketones to form C═C bond using dimethyl sulfoxide as one-carbon source is achieved under transition metal-free reaction condition. Various aryl ketone derivatives react readily with DMSO, producing the α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds in yields of 42 to 90%. This method features a transition metal-free reaction condition, wide substrate scope and using DMSO as novel one-carbon source to form C═C bond, thus providing an efficient and expeditious approach to an important class of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds. Based on the preliminary experiments, a plausible mechanism of this transformation is disclosed.

A Cu‐catalyzed C−H cyclization of simple anilines with ketones and DMSO as a one‐carbon source has been developed. Using an aerobic oxidative protocol, a number of ketones and anilines could be easily converted to 2‐arylquinolines, rather than 4‐arylquinolines, thus providing a highly atom‐economical and simple approach to biologically significant 2‐arylquinolines. Based on the preliminary experiments, a plausible mechanism is proposed.magnified image

An unusual I 2 -mediated triple C(sp 3 )ÀH functionalization reaction between aryl methyl ketones and dimethyl sulfoxide to form polysubstituted furans has been developed. In this transformation, dimethyl sulfoxide functions as a dual synthon via C(sp 3 )ÀH functionalization with formation of two CÀC bonds, one CÀO bond, and one CÀS bond in a one-step process. Iodine is crucial as promoter of the reaction, by which a number of ketones could be converted easily into 2,4,5-trisubstituted furans. This provides an extremely simple and expeditious approach to high-value-added, biologically significant O-heterocycles. Based on preliminary experiments, a plausible mechanism is proposed.(4-Bromophenyl)(5-(4-bromophenyl)-4-(methylthio) furan-2-yl)methanone (3 r)Following the general procedure to afford a yellow solid in 81% yield, 85.7 mg. 1 H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl 3 ): d 7.90 (t, J = 8.4 Hz, 4H), 7.68 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H), 7.60 (d, J = 7.9 Hz,