Chromium-Catalyzed Reductive Cleavage of Unactivated Aromatic and Benzylic C–O Bonds

Abstract

AbstractReductive cleavage of aromatic and benzylic C–O bonds by chromium catalysis is reported. This deoxygenative reaction was promoted by low-cost CrCl2 precatalyst combined with poly(methyl hydrogen siloxane) as the mild reducing agent, providing a strategy in forming reduced motifs by cleavage of unactivated C–O bonds. A range of functional groups such as bromide, chloride, fluoride, hydroxyl, amino, and alkoxycarbonyl can be retained in the reduction.