Iron Mediated Oxidative Ring Opening‐Homocoupling of Cyclopropanols: Facile Access to 1,6‐Diketones

Abstract We have developed a new approach for the synthesis of 1,6‐diketones via iron‐catalyzed ring opening of cyclopropanol with a nontoxic, inexpensive iron catalyst under open‐air conditions. This method eliminates the need for additives and employs tert ‐butanol as an eco‐friendly solvent. This methodology allows rapid access to a variety of symmetrical 1,6‐diketones under mild conditions. Preliminary mechanistic studies revealed the involvement of radical pathways.