Desaturative arylaldehyde synthesis by synergistic carbocatalysis and organocatalysis

Abstract

A metal-free cooperative carbocatalyst–organocatalyst system promotes the dehydrogenative aromatization of 3-cyclohexene aldehydes to aromatic aldehydes. Quinone-rich, oxidized activated carbon and secondary amines act synergistically, providing a structurally diverse substrate scope. Mechanistic studies indicate a predominantly ionic hydride-transfer pathway and identify pore-blocking as the main cause of catalyst deactivation.