α-Alkylation of Ketones with Bio-Based 2,5-Furandimethanol via a Hydrogen Autotransfer Process Catalyzed by a Metal-Ligand Bifunctional Iridium Catalyst.

The α-alkylation of ketones with bio-based 2,5-furandimethanol via a hydrogen autotransfer process has been realized. In the presence of [Cp*Ir(2,2'-bpyO)(OH2)] (0.5 mol %) and Cs2CO3 (0.2 equiv), a range of products were obtained with excellent selectivity. Functional groups in the bpy ligand play a crucial role in the catalytic activity of iridium complexes. DFT calculations and mechanistic expriements were performed. Furthermore, the synthesis of an aromatic compound from bio-based 2,5-furandimethanol and the α-alkylation of ketones with bio-based furfuryl alcohols were successfully accomplished.