sp3C–H bond alkylation of ketones with alkenes via ruthenium(ii) catalysed dehydrogenation of alcohols

Abstract

The sp³C–H bond functionalisation of 2-pyridyl ethanols upon reaction with alkenes, in the presence of a [RuCl₂(arene)]₂ catalyst and Cu(OAc)₂·H₂O, is performed under mild conditions without additional base. This reaction proceeds via a tandem alcohol dehydrogenation/alkylation with alkenes of the resulting ketone at its α sp³C–H bond.