K2S2O8 promoted metal-free direct C-alkylation of acetophenones with alcohols

Abstract

Herein, we report a metal-free synthetic methodology for the C-alkylation of acetophenones following a hydrogen borrowing-like pathway using the commercially available inorganic oxidant K₂S₂O₈ in conjunction with KO^tBu. This study articulates the potential of K₂S₂O₈ in fast initiation of the oxidation of benzyl alcohols to develop an atom-economical, easy, and more efficient methodology for the C-alkylation of various acetophenones and synthesis of a variety of substituted quinolines. Experimental data from control experiments, literature and characterization of intermediates through spectroscopic techniques support the proposed plausible mechanism.