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Synthesis 2021; 53(17): 3094-3100
DOI: 10.1055/a-1467-2432
DOI: 10.1055/a-1467-2432
special topic
Bond Activation – in Honor of Prof. Shinji Murai
Synthesis of Dibenzyls by Nickel-Catalyzed Homocoupling of Benzyl Alcohols
We thank the National Natural Science Foundation of China for their financial support (21772072, 22071084).
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/synthesis/202117/lookinside/thumbnails/ss-2021-f0108-st_10-1055_a-1467-2432-1.jpg)
Abstract
Dibenzyls are essential building blocks that are widely used in organic synthesis, and they are typically prepared by the homocoupling of halides, organometallics, and ethers. Herein, we report an approach to this class of compounds using alcohols, which are more stable and readily available. The reaction proceeds via nickel-catalyzed and dimethyl oxalate assisted dynamic kinetic homocoupling of benzyl alcohols. Both primary and secondary alcohols are tolerated.
Supporting Information
- Supporting information for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1467-2432.
- Supporting Information
Publication History
Received: 05 March 2021
Accepted after revision: 25 March 2021
Accepted Manuscript online:
25 March 2021
Article published online:
14 April 2021
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Selected examples:
Metal-catalyzed hydrogen-borrowing reactions:
Ru-catalyzed dehydroxylative reactions:
Transition-metal-catalyzed functionalization of allylic alcohols:
Ti-catalyzed radical dehydroxylative reaction: