Regioselective C-H activation and sequential C-C and C-O bond formation reactions of aryl ketones promoted by an yttrium carbene.
Rare earth carbenes exclusively exhibit Wittig-type reactivity with carbonyl compounds to afford alkenes. Here, we report that yttrium carbenes can effect regioselective ortho-C-H activation and sequential C-C and C-O bond formation reactions of aryl ketones to give iso-benzofurans and hydroxymethylbenzophenones. With MeCOPh, cyclotetramerization occurs giving a substituted cyclohexene. This demonstrates new rare earth carbene reactivity which complements existing Wittig-type reactivity.
Mills
David P
DP
School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
Soutar
Lyndsay
L
Lewis
William
W
Blake
Alexander J
AJ
Liddle
Stephen T
ST