An Efficient Ga(OTf)(3)/Isopropanol Catalytic System for Direct Reduction of Benzylic Alcohols

摘要

This study aims to report the first gallium-catalyzed direct reduction of benzylic alcohols using isopropanol as a reductant. The reaction proceeds via gallium catalyst-assisted hydride transfer of the in situ-generated benzylic isopropyl ether. The method generates only water and acetone as byproducts and thus provides an atom-economic and environmentally friendly approach to the synthesis of di- and triarylmethanes, which are important substructures in various bioactive compounds and functional materials.