Single electron transfer in the Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley reduction of benzophenone by lithium alkoxides

Transfer Hydrogenation Including the Meerwein‐Ponndorf‐Verley Reduction

“…The mechanism of the MPVO reactions has been investigated and questioned on several occasions, and a variety of direct hydrogen-transfer pathways have been suggested (see Scheme 20.4) [31][32][33][34][35]. Recently, racemization of D-labeled 1-phenylethanol with deuterated samarium(III) isopropoxide (17) proved that the MPVO reaction occurs via a direct hydrogen transfer from the a-position of the isopropoxide to the carbonyl carbon of the substrate (Scheme 20.7) [31].…”

Mizoroki–Heck‐Type Reaction Mediated by Potassium tert‐Butoxide

“…[11] As metal alkoxides are known to act as single-electron donors towards aromatic compounds, alkyl iodides, and ketones, [12] SET from KOtBu to aryl halides is possibly in operation here. [11] As metal alkoxides are known to act as single-electron donors towards aromatic compounds, alkyl iodides, and ketones, [12] SET from KOtBu to aryl halides is possibly in operation here.…”

Efficient transfer hydrogenation of ketones in the presence of ruthenium N-heterocyclic carbene catalysts

“…Apparently, there is no radical induced reduction [23]. Owing to this a radical reduction mechanism promoted by sodium alkoxides can be also excluded, whereby the transition metal plays only a marginal role [24]. This assumption is also confirmed by performing the reduction of acetophenone (13) in the presence of base and in the absence of ruthenium catalyst.…”