Transition metal catalysed reactions of alcohols using borrowing hydrogen methodology

Abstract

The reactivity of alcohols can be enhanced by the temporary removal of hydrogen using a transition metal catalyst to generate an intermediate aldehyde or ketone. The so-formed carbonyl compound has a greater reactivity towards nucleophilic addition accommodating the in situ formation of imines or alkenes. The return of hydrogen from the catalyst leads to the formation of new C-N and C-C bonds, often with water as the only reaction by-product.