Synthesis of α-Iodoketones from Allylic Alcohols through Aerobic Oxidative Iodination

An efficient method for the synthesis of alpha-iodoketones from allylic alcohols and elemental iodine is reported. We show in this paper that the isomerization of allylic alcohols catalyzed by iridium(III) complexes can be combined with an aerobic oxidative iodination protocol, resulting in a straightforward method for the synthesis of a wide range of alpha-iodoketones as single constitutional isomers and in high yields under mild reaction conditions.