Ruthenium Hydride Catalyzed Regioselective Addition of Aldehydes to Enones To Give 1,3‐Diketones

Abstract

It all adds up: Straightforward access to 2-alkyl-substituted 1,3-diketones is provided by a regioselective addition of aldehydes to enones catalyzed by the ruthenium hydride catalyst [RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)3] (see scheme). The reaction involves a hydrometalation of the enone to form a metal enolate, a cross-aldol reaction to form an alkoxymetal species, and a subsequent β-metal hydride elimination. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2007/z701005_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.