The crucial role of the alkoxide trap problem and the
impact of
the oxidation state of the chromium center were demonstrated on the
catalytic activity due to the d-wall issue. Through the strategy of
surmounting the alkoxide trap, a Cr(0) catalyst was presented herein
for efficient C-alkylation between alcohols via borrowing
hydrogen/hydrogen autotransfer. The synthesized bis-(N-heterocyclic carbene)-Cr(0) system shows an
efficient catalytic performance (40 examples, up to 96% yield). Only
a catalytic loading of a cheap and readily available base NaOH is
effective enough for the reaction. Compared with Cr(III)/Cr(II), Cr(0)
can well avoid the d-p π interaction in the key metal-alkoxide
intermediate, thus overcoming the thermodynamic sink due to the alkoxide
trap problem. It is plausible that the Cr(III) systems need to be
reduced to Cr(II) for weakening the alkoxide trap effect and enhancing
activity by using reductive strong bases. This surmounting alkoxide
trap strategy should be helpful for the development of efficient and
nonprecious transition metal catalysts.