Direct β-alkylation of secondary alcohols with primary alcohols catalyzed by a Cp*lr complex

A new catalytic system for beta-alkylation of secondary alcohols has been developed. In the presence of [Cp*IrCl2](2) (CP* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) catalyst and base, the reactions of various secondary alcohols with primary alcohols give beta-alkylated higher alcohols in good to excellent yields without any hydrogen acceptor or hydrogen donor. This reaction proceeds via successive hydrogen-transfer reactions and aldol condensation.