Selective catalytic synthesis of -alkylated ketones and -alkylated secondary alcohols via hydrogen-borrowing

A group of three Ir-(iii) complexes supported by a picolinamidato moiety was prepared. These complexes were shown to be efficient catalysts for & alpha;-alkylation of ketones and & beta;-alkylation of secondary alcohols with primary alcohols in the presence of a catalytic amount of the Cp*Ir(iii) catalyst and (BuOK)-Bu-t in toluene at 110 & DEG;C via hydrogen-borrowing and produced substituted ketone products in good to excellent yields. This new C-C bond-forming reaction needs very small amounts of catalyst and base and produces only H2O as a by-product, making it an appealing and environmentally friendly protocol that allows for the "green" synthesis of ketone derivatives.