Iron-catalyzed arene alkylation reactions with unactivated secondary alcohols

Abstract

A simple, iron-based catalytic system allows for the inter- and intramolecular arylation of unactivated secondary alcohols. This transformation expands the substrate scope beyond the previously required activated alcohols and proceeds under mild reaction conditions, tolerating air and moisture. Furthermore, the use of an enantioenriched secondary alcohol provides an enantioenriched product for the intramolecular reaction, thereby offering a convenient approach to nonracemic products.