Selective catalytic synthesis of α-alkylated ketones and β-alkylated secondary alcohols via hydrogen-borrowing

Abstract

A group of three Ir-(III) complexes supported by a picolinamidato moiety was prepared. These complexes were shown to be efficient catalysts for α-alkylation of ketones and β-alkylation of secondary alcohols with primary alcohols in the presence of a catalytic amount of the Cp*Ir(III) catalyst and ^tBuOK in toluene at 110 °C via hydrogen-borrowing and produced substituted ketone products in good to excellent yields. This new C–C bond-forming reaction needs very small amounts of catalyst and base and produces only H₂O as a by-product, making it an appealing and environmentally friendly protocol that allows for the “green” synthesis of ketone derivatives.