Radical N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis for β-ketocarbonyl synthesis

N-Heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed radical cross-coupling between aldehydes and alpha-bromoesters or alpha-bromoamides is described. beta-Ketocarbonyl compounds having a quaternary carbon center at the alpha-position can be synthesized under mild reaction conditions. Both aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes are suitable acyl donors by employing proper NHC catalyst precursors. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed radical cross-coupling between aldehydes and alpha-bromoesters or alpha-bromoamides allows for the synthesis of beta-ketocarbonyl compounds under mild reaction conditions. Both aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes can serve as suitable acyl donors by using appropriate NHC catalyst precursors.