Dehydrogenative cross-coupling of primary and secondary alcohols

Homo-and cross-coupling of alcohols resulting in the formation of the corresponding ketones in very good to excellent yield was realized through the one-pot sequence of dehydrogenation/ aldol condensation/hydrogenation accompanied by the release of molecular hydrogen. The dehydrogenation and hydrogenation steps are catalyzed by the previously reported ruthernium-and iridiumbased ligand-metal cooperating catalysts.