Catalytic, Tunable, One-Step Bismuth(III) Triflate Reaction with Alcohols: Dehydration Versus Dimerization

Bi(OTf)(3)center dot xH(2)O is a powerful catalyst for the dehydration of tertiary alcohols into alkenes in apolar solvents. The reaction proceeds smoothly and selectively, with amounts as low as 0.01 mol % catalyst, in yields up to 93%. Moreover, in polar solvents, Bi(OTf)(3)center dot xOH(2)O (0.1-1 mol %) selectively catalyzes the dimerization of the alcohols instead, forming new C-C bonds, in yields up to 96%. This mild, efficient, economic, and eco-friendly method is applicable across different chemical classes and amenable to several functional groups.