title: Direct beta-alkylation of secondary alcohols with primary alcohols catalyzed by a CpIr complex.
abstract: A new catalytic system for beta-alkylation of secondary alcohols has been developed. In the presence of [CpIrCl(2)](2) (Cp = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) catalyst and base, the reactions of various secondary alcohols with primary alcohols give beta-alkylated higher alcohols in good to excellent yields without any hydrogen acceptor or hydrogen donor. This reaction proceeds via successive hydrogen-transfer reactions and aldol condensation. [reaction: see text]
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan. fujitak@kagaku.mbox.media.kyoto-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: Ken-ichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fujita
authors.forename: Chiho
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Asai
authors.forename: Tetsuhiro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yamaguchi
authors.forename: Fumihiro
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hanasaka
authors.forename: Ryohei
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Yamaguchi