Iron-Catalyzed C-C Single-Bond Cleavage of Alcohols

Org Lett. 2021 Nov 5;23(21):8413-8418. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.1c03137. Epub 2021 Oct 12.

Abstract

An iron-catalyzed deconstruction/hydrogenation reaction of alcohols through C-C bond cleavage is developed through photocatalysis, to produce ketones or aldehydes as the products. Tertiary, secondary, and primary alcohols bearing a wide range of substituents are suitable substrates. Complex natural alcohols can also perform the transformation selectively. A investigation of the mechanism reveals a procedure that involves chlorine radical improved O-H homolysis, with the assistance of 2,4,6-collidine.