Synthesis of Novel Polyyne Analogues of Sphingoid Base via an Iterative Acetylene Homologation Sequence

The first syntheses of polyyne-containing sphingoid base analogues were achieved by employing our iterative strategy that uses a two-step acetylene homologation sequence. In this process, a bromoalkyne is homologated by one acetylene unit through a Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling with a TIPS-protected acetylene and a subsequent in situ AgF-mediated desilylative bromination. Repeating this homologation sequence followed by cross-coupling with the long-chained terminal acetylene provides access to the polyyne framework in good overall yields.