N-triflyl-propiolamides: Preparation and transamidation reactions

N-Trifluoromethylsulfonyl-propiolamides have been prepared by two methods: a) N-triflation of secondary acetylenic carboxanilides, prepared in two steps from terminal alkynes, with triflic anhydride (Tf₂O) and b) from terminal alkynes and an aryl or alkyl isocyanate followed by Tf₂O in a consecutive one-pot reaction. The title compounds are bench-stable and insensitive to water and alcohols but amenable to transamidation reactions with a wide range of amine nucleophiles. Conversely, they are excellent reagents for the propynoylation of ammonia, primary and secondary amines, anilines, and hydrazines.