An Efficient and Environmentally Benign Bentonite–Gold Nanohybrid‐Catalyzed Oxidative Cross‐Coupling of Ketones with Benzylic Primary Alcohols

Abstract

AbstractAn efficient, green and sustainable method for the oxidative C−C coupling of ketones and primary alcohols was developed using an environmentally benign bentonite–gold nanohybrid catalyst. This heterogeneous catalyst affords diverse α,β‐unsaturated ketones in excellent yields under ambient reaction conditions in the presence of Cs2CO3 as weak base. The catalyst is selective, recyclable and only water is produced as the side product. This catalytic system is readily applicable for the gram‐scale synthesis of α,β‐unsaturated ketones.