Reductive α-alkylation of ketones with aldehydes at atmospheric pressure of carbon monoxide: the effect of fluoride activation in ruthenium catalysis

Fluoride additive to [( p -cymene)RuCl 2 ] 2 , a readily available ruthenium catalyst, allows one to achieve milder conditions for the reductive alkylation of aldehydes with ketones using carbon monoxide as a reducing agent. The procedure is suitable for the broad substrate scope, and a probable explanation for the fluoride role was provided.