Transition metal catalysed reactions of alcohols using borrowing hydrogen methodology

Abstract

The reactivity of alcohols can be enhanced by the temporary removal of hydrogen using a transition metal catalyst to generate an intermediate aldehyde or ketone. The so-formed carbonyl compound has a greater reactivity towards nucleophilic addition accommodating the in situ formation of imines or alkenes. The return of hydrogen from the catalyst leads to the formation of new C–N and C–C bonds, often with water as the only reaction by-product.