Direct beta-alkylation of secondary alcohols with primary alcohols catalyzed by a CpIr complex.
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]
Fujita
Ken-ichi
K
Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan. fujitak@kagaku.mbox.media.kyoto-u.ac.jp
Asai
Chiho
C
Yamaguchi
Tetsuhiro
T
Hanasaka
Fumihiro
F
Yamaguchi
Ryohei
R