Catalytic Electronic Activation: Indirect “Wittig” Reaction of Alcohols

Abstract

Hydrogen atoms are borrowed during the in situ oxidation of the starting alcohol to the corresponding aldehyde and are subsequently returned in the hydrogenation of the alkene intermediate, which is formed by Wittig olefination of the aldehyde. This process permits an indirect Wittig reaction of alcohols without overall oxidation and offers an alternative to traditional methods that involve, for example, conversion of an alcohol into an alkyl halide. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2002/z19879_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.