An investigation of the catalytic potential of mono- and dicationic imidazolium N-heterocyclic carbenes in the benzoin condensation

Mavıs M. E. , Yolaçan Ç., Aydoğan F.

TETRAHEDRON LETTERS, vol.51, pp.4509-4511, 2010 (Peer-Reviewed Journal) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 51
  • Publication Date: 2010
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2010.06.099
  • Journal Name: TETRAHEDRON LETTERS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded, Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.4509-4511

Abstract

The catalytic potential of imidazolium salts in the benzoin condensation was investigated. Various aromatic aldehydes were tested in the benzoin condensation under the optimised protocol to afford alpha-hydroxyketones using N-heterocyclic carbenes derived from mono- and dicationic imidazolium salts. The products were obtained in good yields within short reaction times. Dicationic imidazolium salts with a long aliphatic chain between the imidazole rings were found to be more effective pre-catalysts for the benzoin condensation in comparison to the corresponding monocationic salts having the same aliphatic chain length. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.