A new catalytic system for beta-alkylation of secondary alcohols has been developed. In the presence of [CpIrCl(2)](2) (Cp = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) catalyst and base, the reactions of various secondary alcohols with primary alcohols give beta-alkylated higher alcohols in good to excellent yields without any hydrogen acceptor or hydrogen donor. This reaction proceeds via successive hydrogen-transfer reactions and aldol condensation. [reaction: see text]

Alcohols Q 0230Direct β-Alkylation of Secondary Alcohols with Primary Alcohols Catalyzed by a Cp*Ir Complex. -The reaction proceeds in the presence of a base to give β-alkylated higher alcohols in good to excellent yields. No hydrogen acceptor or donor is required. In most cases, the corresponding ketones are observed as by-products. -(FUJITA*, K.-I.; ASAI, C.; YAMAGUCHI, T.; HANASAKA, F.; YAMAGUCHI, R.; Org. Lett. 7 (2005) 18, 4017-4019; Grad. Sch. Hum. Environ. Stud., Kyoto Univ., Yoshida, Kyoto 606, Japan; Eng.) -R. Steudel 01-086