Iron-Catalyzed Oxidative Direct α-C–H Bond Functionalization of Cyclic Ethers: Selective C–O Bond Formation in the Presence of a Labile Aldehyde Group

Abstract

Iron catalyzed oxidative coupling of salicylaldehydes with cyclic ethers proceeded through the direct α-C-H functionalization of ethers, forming the corresponding acetals in moderate to excellent yields. This is the first example of iron catalyzed selective C-O bond formation in the presence of a sensitive aldehyde moiety.