Catalytic Enantioselective Carbon-Oxygen Bond Formation: Phosphine-Catalyzed Synthesis of Benzylic Ethers via the Oxidation of Benzylic C-H Bonds

J Am Chem Soc. 2016 Sep 21;138(37):12069-72. doi: 10.1021/jacs.6b08486. Epub 2016 Sep 12.

Abstract

Benzylic alcohols and ethers are common subunits in bioactive molecules, as well as useful intermediates in organic chemistry. In this Communication, we describe a new approach to the enantioselective synthesis of benzylic ethers through the chiral phosphine-catalyzed coupling of two readily available partners, γ-aryl-substituted alkynoates and alcohols, under mild conditions. In this process, the alkynoate partner undergoes an internal redox reaction. Specifically, the benzylic position is oxidized with good enantioselectivity, and the alkyne is reduced to the alkene.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Benzyl Alcohols / chemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Ethers / chemical synthesis*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Oxidation-Reduction

Substances

  • Benzyl Alcohols
  • Ethers