Head-to-tail dimerization of acrylates catalyzed by iridium complexes

Abstract

Head-to-tail dimerizations of acrylates and vinyl ketone were successfully performed by the use of iridium complexes in good yields. An iridium hydride complex generated in situ from [IrCl(cod)]₂ and alcohols in the presence of Na₂CO₃ and (MeO)₃P was found to be an active species promoting the head-to-tail dimerization of acrylates. Thus, butyl acrylate afforded the corresponding head-to-tail dimer in 86% yield.