Ethers as hydrogen sources in BF3·OEt2 promoted reduction of diphenylmethyl alcohols, ethers and esters to hydrocarbons

Abstract

A novel ether/BF₃ reductive system has been described, in which diphenylmethanols and their ether and ester derivatives are used as starting materials. Reductions are performed in ether under reflux and an argon atmosphere, and the addition of extra water is beneficial to this reduction. A series of alkanes are able to be prepared with good to excellent yields. A deuterated experiment exhibits that the reductive hydrogen is generated from ether. The mechanism is discussed in detail to explain the observed reactivity.