Catalytic Enantioselective Carbon-Oxygen Bond Formation: Phosphine-Catalyzed Synthesis of Benzylic Ethers via the Oxidation of Benzylic C-H Bonds.
Benzylic alcohols and ethers are common subunits in bioactive molecules, as well as useful intermediates in organic chemistry. In this Communication, we describe a new approach to the enantioselective synthesis of benzylic ethers through the chiral phosphine-catalyzed coupling of two readily available partners, γ-aryl-substituted alkynoates and alcohols, under mild conditions. In this process, the alkynoate partner undergoes an internal redox reaction. Specifically, the benzylic position is oxidized with good enantioselectivity, and the alkyne is reduced to the alkene.
Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California 91125, United States.
Daniel T
DT
Ziegler
Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California 91125, United States.
Gregory C
GC
Fu
D001592:Benzyl Alcohols / Q000737:chemistry; D002384:Catalysis; D004987:Ethers / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D015394:Molecular Structure; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction
D001592:Benzyl Alcohols; D004987:Ethers