Ruthenium-Catalyzed β-Alkylation of Secondary Alcohols and α-Alkylation of Ketones via Borrowing Hydrogen: Dramatic Influence of the Pendant N-Heterocycle

Three bidentate ruthenium(II) complexes with a pyridonate fragment were prepared and fully characterized. These complexes are structurally similar, but differ in their pendant substituents. Complex 1 contains a phenyl unit, whereas complexes 2 and 3 have uncoordinated thienyl and thiazolyl groups, respectively. These complexes were tested as catalysts for β-alkylation of secondary alcohols with primary alcohols, and 3 shows the highest activity, suggesting the thiazolyl ring participates in the catalytic process. Furthermore, 3 is an excellent catalyst for α-alkylation of ketones with primary alcohols. Various α-alkylated ketones were synthesized in high yields, by using 0.05 mol % 3 and 0.25 equiv of t -BuOK within 30 min.