Tandem electrocatalytic benzylic alcohols oxidation and aldol condensation for efficient valuable α,β-unsaturated ketones production

Abstract

α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds are important intermediates in basic organic synthesis and life science industries. In particular, α,β-unsaturated ketones are critical fine chemicals that are widely employed in flavors, fragrances, pesticides and food additives.1-4 These compounds are commercially produced by aldol condensation reaction between aldehydes and ketones in one reactor, and the aldehydes are synthesized via alcohols oxidation in another reactor, thus multiple reactors are required with tedious processing (Scheme 1a).5-7 Although some pioneering works reported the synthesis of α,β-unsaturated ketones in one pot via tandem aerobic oxidation of alcohols and aldol condensation with ketones,8-11 elevated temperature (for example, 413 K), organic solvent and external oxidant (oxygen) are necessary (Scheme 1a), calling for more sustainable approach that is operated under mild condition.