Metal-Free Transfer Hydrobromination of C-C Triple Bonds

A transfer hydrobromination of C-C triple bonds inititated by Bronsted acids is reported. Hydrogen bromide is released stepwise from a bench-stable cyclohexa-1,4-diene-based surrogate, generating biphenyl and ethylene as waste. A range of vinyl bromides was prepared from terminal and internal, mainly acceptor-substituted alkynes with good functional-group tolerance.