Ir(tri-N-heterocyclic carbene)-catalyzed upgrading of glycerol: C-C bond formation for the synthesis of α-hydroxy acids

Org Biomol Chem. 2024 Feb 21;22(8):1613-1618. doi: 10.1039/d3ob02035e.

Abstract

Ir(triNHC) complexes catalyzed glycerol and alcohol dehydrogenative coupling, yielding diverse α-hydroxy acids. Unlike conventional conditions, Ir(triNHC) facilitated additional C-C bond formation after lactic acid production from glycerol, exhibiting high TOFs. This protocol successfully converted 1,2-propanediol and sorbitol into α-hydroxy acids, highlighting biomass-derived sources' potential as valuable platform chemicals.