Alkenes from Alcohols by Tandem Hydrogen Transfer and Condensation

Abstract

Abstract A ruthenium‐catalysed oxidation of alcohols by hydrogen transfer has been coupled with organocatalysed condensations using pyrrolidine or piperidine, to give α,β‐unsaturated esters and nitroalkenes. Reactions proceed with high ( E )‐selectivity and provide an efficient and straightforward route to α,β‐unsaturated compounds.