I-2-promoted cross-dehydrogenative coupling of alpha-carbonyl aldehydes with alcohols for the synthesis of alpha-ketoesters

A facile and efficient method for the synthesis of alpha-ketoesters from alcohols and alpha-carbonyl aldehydes has been developed at room temperature under metal-free conditions for the first time. Various alcohols and alpha-carbonyl aldehydes could participate in this reaction to afford the desired products in excellent yields.