Iodine atom transfer addition reactions with alkynes. Part 2; α-iodocarbonyls

Abstract 1°-Iodo esters, ketones, and nitriles react smoothly in atom transfer addition reactions with alkyl- substituted (nucleophilic) alkynes, but a 3°-iodoester prefers to add to ester-substituted (electrophilic) alkynes. These atom transfer additions are suited for preparing precursors for radical translocation reactions as well for appending β- lactam side chains.