Synergetic catalysis of Se and Cu allowing diethoxylation of halomethylene ketones using O2 as the mild oxidant

Abstract

Catalyzed by PhSe(O)OH/Cu(OAc)2, sp3-C–H alkylation of bromomethylene ketones produced useful α-carbonyl acetals under mild conditions. Bromo-containing substrates could release HBr during the reaction, avoiding the use of acidic additives.