Iron-promoted C - C bond cleavage of 1,3-diketones: A route to 1,2-diketones under mild reaction conditions

摘要

A conceptual method for the preparation of 1,2-diketones is reported. The selective C - C bond cleavage of 1,3-diketones affords the 1,2-diketones in high yields under mild reaction conditions in air by the use of FeCl_3 as the catalyst and tert-butyl nitrite (TBN) as the oxidant without the use of solvent. The possible reaction mechanism is discussed. This protocol provides an expeditious route to the useful 1,2-diketones.