Introducing deep eutectic solvents in enolate chemistry: synthesis of 1-arylpropan-2-ones under aerobic conditions

Abstract

Alkoxide-mediated enolization of 1-arylpropan-2-ones and their fluorinated derivatives, followed by α-functionalization with nucleophilic addition and substitution reactions, has been accomplished in the environmentally friendly eutectic mixture choline chloride/urea, under aerobic conditions. The usefulness of this new protocol has also been exemplified through the synthesis of a small selection of building-block like molecules through Pd-catalyzed α-arylation reactions.