Phosphorous acid promoted isomerization of propargyl alcohols to alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds

摘要

A metal-free and two-phase protocol for the Meyer-Schuster isomerization of propargyl alcohols to the corresponding alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds has been achieved in the presence of stoichiometric phosphorous acid aqueous solution, which produces the desired products in high yields with excellent stereoselectivity. Compared with the traditional methods, the procedure features broad scope of the substrates, mild conditions, and easy separation, providing an appealing alternative to the Meyer-Schuster reaction. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.