Scalable synthesis of 8-iodo-1-naphthoate via photoinduced Suárez halodecarboxylation for the preparation of glycosyl donors

8-Iodo-1-naphthoate is a key intermediate for the versatile preparation of 1,8-difunctionalized naphthalene derivatives, particularly the glycosyl 8-alkynyl-1-naphthoate donors. Herein, we report an efficient and scalable approach for the synthesis of a variety of 8-iodo-1-naphthoates via a modified photoinduced Suárez halodecarboxylation reaction. Derivatization of the 8-iodo-naphthoates enables access to a wide range of 1,8-difunctionalized naphthalene derivatives. In particular, Sonogashira coupling reactions using diverse alkynes clearly demonstrate the superior reactivity and functional group tolerance of 8-iodo-1-naphthoate compared to its bromide counterpart. This practical and cost-effective synthetic approach is expected to greatly facilitate the broader application of glycosyl 8-alkynyl-1-naphthoates in glycosylation chemistry.