Mild condition synthesis of α, β-Unsaturated esters derivatives through copper catalyst

Abstract

Copper (II) triflate catalyzed reactions of ethylene diazo acetate with aldehyde derivatives are presented in this report. Based on modification of the Wittig reaction, a practical and highly efficient synthesis of α, β-unsaturated esters with good to excellent yields were obtained. A variety of substituted aromatic aldehydes were smoothly converted to the corresponding derivatives of acrylic acid with ethyl ester for the reaction of ethyl diazoacetate using Cu (II) triflate as catalyst in the presence of triphenylphosphine as a reducing agent. Yields of the products obtained were found to be good to excellent, under mild reaction conditions and in a narrow range of solvents.