Synthesis of 2-alkylcyclohexanones using solvent-free conditions and microwave technology

Abstract

An expeditious solvent-free route to 2-alkylcyclohexanones from 2-ethoxycarbonylcyclohexa none is described via a solid–liquid phase transfer catalysed alkylation using Bu^tOK as base and Aliquat® 336 as catalyst and a LiBr–H₂O–NBu₄Br induced dealkoxycarbonylation under microwave activation in a focused open-vessel Maxidigest system. Yields were 75% over two steps.