A simple and versatile synthesis of substituted ethynesulfonamides

A variety of substituted 2-arylethynesulfonamides were prepared by a two-step sequence: 1. preparation of 2-oxo-2-arylethanesulfonamides by reaction of the appropriate methanesulfonamide carbanion with a substituted benzoic ester, 2. dehydration of the resulting ketone by 2-chloro-N-methylpyridinium iodide / NEt3.