DMF as carbon source: Rh-catalyzed α-methylation of ketones

Org Lett. 2014 Jan 3;16(1):66-9. doi: 10.1021/ol403040g. Epub 2013 Dec 2.

Abstract

An unprecedented Rh-catalyzed direct methylation of ketones with N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) is disclosed. The reaction shows a broad substrate scope, tolerating both aryl and alkyl ketones with various substituents. Mechanistic studies suggest that DMF delivers a methylene fragment followed by a hydride in the methylation process.