Iron(II) Pincer‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Lactones and Lactams through a Versatile Dehydrogenative Domino Sequence

Abstract

AbstractThe synthesis of lactones and lactams by using iron(II) pincer‐catalyzed dehydrogenative methodology was developed. Starting from 1,n‐diols or 1,n‐amino alcohols, this domino transformation takes place through initial dehydrogenation of the substrates, subsequent intramolecular cyclization, and final oxidation to afford the desired products in good yields. The ability to access heterocycles of different sizes makes this protocol especially versatile, in which two consecutive oxidation reactions are performed without requiring an external oxidant. In this paper, we report the application of the Fe‐MACHO‐BH complex [carbonylhydrido(tetrahydroborato)[bis(2‐diisopropylphosphinoethyl)amino]iron(II)] in this atom‐efficient and environmentally benign process, for which molecular hydrogen is formed as the only stoichiometric side product.