Catalysis by cobalt compounds of aldol and retroaldol reactions

Y. Tencer*, M. Michman, I. Goldenfeld

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Aldol condensation of acetone, butanone, and 2-pentanone, and retroaldol reaction of neat diacetone alcohol and 3-methyl-3-hydroxyheptan-5-one are catalyzed by (Ph3P)3CoCH3 and (Ph3P)3CoSi(CH3)3. The condensations are reversible and the retroaldol reaction is favoured. Several hindered or cyclic ketones, such as higher homologues, 3-pentanone, methyl isopropyl ketone or cyclohexanone do not condense. By comparison, aliphatic aldehydes react fast and irreversibly to yield products comprised of three aldehyde units. (Ph3P)3CoCH3 also catalyzes protium/deuterium scrambling between ketones and acetone-d6. This exchange takes place preferably at the C3 carbon whereas condensation takes place at the C1 carbon. The reactions take place at 20°C or below, and of the several organometallic compounds tested only the two mentioned above were found to be active.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)203-214
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Organometallic Chemistry
Volume412
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - 16 Jul 1991

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