α-Aroyloxyaldehydes: scope and limitations as alternatives to α-haloaldehydes for NHC-catalysed redox transformations

Abstract

α-Aroyloxyaldehydes are readily prepared bench stable synthetic intermediates. Their ability to act as α-haloaldehyde surrogates for NHC-promoted redox esterifications and in [4+2] cycloadditions is described.