A new class of benzoin condensation catalyst, the bi-(1,3-dialkylimidazolidin-2-ylidenes)
Abstract
An electron-rich olefin [[graphic omitted]R]2(R = Me, Et, or CH2Ph) is an effective catalyst (at < 1 molar % concentration) for the benzoin condensation in aprotic non-polar media; the appropriate 2-aroylimidazolidine is obtained at high dilution under stoicheiometric conditions (olefin + 2ArCHO).