Copper-Catalyzed Unconventional Reactivities of Propargylic Esters

Propargyl esters, known for their reactivities of nucleophilic substitution and substitution-annulation reactions, have been extensively studied and summarized in a range of reviews. However, there is a notable lack of comprehensive comment on their unconventional reactivities. This review aims to bridge this gap by showcasing the versatility and potential of propargyl esters in enabling unconventional reaction patterns mediated by copper catalysts. Each reaction type is discussed in detail, with emphasis on the mechanisms and reaction conditions. We hope that this review will inspire the discovery of more new reaction modes of propargyl esters and provide new tools for the synthesis of related complex bioactive compounds.