Domino Methylenation/Hydrogenation of Aldehydes and Ketones by Combining Matsubara's Reagent and Wilkinson's Catalyst

Abstract

The methylenation/hydrogenation cascade reaction of aldehydes or ketones through a domino process involving two ensuing steps in a single pot is realized. The compatibility of Matsubara's reagent and Wilkinson's complex give a combination that allows, under dihydrogen, the transformation of a carbonyl function into a methyl group. This new method is suitable to introduce an ethyl motif from aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes with total chemoselectivity and total retention of α‐stereochemical purity. The developed procedure is also extended to the introduction of methyl groups from ketones.