C ̶ C Bond Formation of Benzyl Alcohols and Alkynes using Catalytic Amount of KOtBu: Unusual Regioselectivity via a Radical Mechanism.

We report the C-C bond-forming reaction of benzyl alcohols and alkynes using a catalytic amount of KOtBu to form α-alkylated ketones in which the C=O group is located on the side derived from the alcohol, a reaction that has not been reported yet in the peer-reviewed literature. The reaction proceeds under thermal condition (125 oC) and produces no waste, making the reaction highly atom-efficient, environmentally benign and sustainable. Based on our mechanistic investigations we propose that the reaction proceeds through radical pathways. PMID: 30605258 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Angewandte Chemie - Category: Chemistry Authors: Tags: Angew Chem Int Ed Engl Source Type: research