Cobalt-catalyzed direct transformation of aldehydes to esters: The crucial role of an enone as a mediator

Biao Lin Jiang, Yang Lin, Meng Liang Wang, Dian Sheng Liu*, Bao Hua Xu, Suo Jiang Zhang

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)
Plum Print visual indicator of research metrics
  • Citations
    • Citation Indexes: 10
  • Captures
    • Readers: 11
see details

Abstract

An oxidative esterification of aldehydes with alkanols catalyzed by an in situ generated low-valent cobalt system has been developed using an enone as a mild oxidant. Mechanistic studies revealed that it proceeds through a Co(i)-catalyzed hydrogen-transfer route, wherein the α-vinyl moiety in the bidentate enone functions as a hydride acceptor. Meanwhile, Co(i)-catalyzed formyl C-H activation occurred as a competing reaction leading to aldehyde dimerization. The occurrence of the usually kinetically disfavored hydride transfer step therein was significantly increased in the presence of an enone reacting as a hydride transfer initiator.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)801-807
Number of pages7
JournalOrganic Chemistry Frontiers
Volume6
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 21 Mar 2019
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cobalt-catalyzed direct transformation of aldehydes to esters: The crucial role of an enone as a mediator'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this

Jiang, B. L., Lin, Y., Wang, M. L., Liu, D. S., Xu, B. H., & Zhang, S. J. (2019). Cobalt-catalyzed direct transformation of aldehydes to esters: The crucial role of an enone as a mediator. Organic Chemistry Frontiers, 6(6), 801-807. https://doi.org/10.1039/c8qo01298a