Iron-Catalyzed C-C Single-Bond Cleavage of Alcohols

An iron-catalyzed deconstruction/hydrogenation reaction of alcohols through C-C bond cleavage is developed through photocatalysis, to produce ketones or aldehydes as the products. Tertiary, secondary, and primary alcohols bearing a wide range of substituents are suitable substrates. Complex natural alcohols can also perform the transformation selectively. A investigation of the mechanism reveals a procedure that involves chlorine radical improved O-H homolysis, with the assistance of 2,4,6-collidine.

Automated summary

An iron-catalyzed deconstruction/hydrogenation reaction of alcohols through C-C bond cleavage has been developed via photocatalysis, yielding ketones or aldehydes as products. This process is applicable to tertiary, secondary, and primary alcohols with a wide range of substituents, including complex natural alcohols. Investigating the mechanism uncovered a process involving chlorine radical-enhanced O-H homolysis, assisted by 2,4,6-collidine.