Recent developments on 1,2-difunctionalization and hydrofunctionalization of unactivated alkenes and alkynes involving C–S bond formation

Abstract

Alkenes and alkynes are feedstock compounds and key units in many natural products, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and organic functional materials. Hydrofunctionalization and 1,2-difunctionalization of alkenes and alkynes are of the most frequently used tools in organic synthesis for adding complexity to molecules. In this aspect, the construction of carbon–sulfur bonds through the functionalization of unactivated multiple carbon–carbon bonds represents a versatile way for the synthesis of sulfur-containing compounds. This review outlines recent progress on this topic, classified according to the activation of alkenes/alkynes following radical, electrophilic, and transition-metal catalyzed processes.