Oxidative Alkoxylation/Dehydrogenation of Unactivated Cyclic Ketones with Simple Alcohols: Direct Route to α‐Alkoxy Cycloenones

Abstract

An oxidative functionalization of cyclopentanones or cyclohexanones with simple alcohols was first demonstrated, affording a series of 2‐alkoxycyclopent‐2‐en‐1‐ones or 2‐alkoxycyclohex‐2‐en‐1‐ones in moderate to excellent yields. The reaction was involved in tandem iodization, substitution, oxidation and addition‐elimination processes in one pot. This method is highly atom‐economical and operationally simple.