Selective Metal-Free Deoxygenation of Unsymmetrical 1,2-Dicarbonyl Compounds by Chlorotrimethylsilane and Sodium Iodide

Org Lett. 2016 Jul 1;18(13):3238-41. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.6b01491. Epub 2016 Jun 23.

Abstract

For the first time, the combination of chlorotrimethylsilane with NaI is used as a selective reducting system toward 1,2-diketones. This combination is successfully evaluated with several unsymmetrically benzil derivatives, which are reduced in good yields and with a total α-regioselectivity at room temperature. Identification of benzoin intermediates is achieved, and a mechanistic radical process is proposed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't