An Efficient and Metal–free Synthesis of a-Ketoesters via Oxidative Cross Coupling of Arylglyoxals with Alcohols

摘要

An efficient and metal-free protocol has been developed for the synthesis of a-ketoesters via oxidative cross coupling of arylglyoxals with alcohols by using N-bromosuccinimide as an oxidant and 1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) as a base. The process involves cleavage of a CH bond and construction of a CO bond. Mild reaction conditions, short reaction time, broad substrate scope, operational simplicity and good to excellent yields of the products are remarkable features of this method.