DMF as Carbon Source: Rh-Catalyzed α‑Methylation
of Ketones

Li, Yang; Xue, Dong; Lu, Wei; Wang, Chao; Liu, Zhao-Tie; Xiao, Jianliang

doi:10.1021/ol403040g.s001

ol403040g_si_001.pdf (1.76 MB)

DMF as Carbon Source: Rh-Catalyzed α‑Methylation of Ketones

journal contribution

posted on 2014-01-03, 00:00 authored by Yang Li, Dong Xue, Wei Lu, Chao Wang, Zhao-Tie Liu, Jianliang Xiao

An unprecedented Rh-catalyzed direct methylation of ketones with N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) is disclosed. The reaction shows a broad substrate scope, tolerating both aryl and alkyl ketones with various substituents. Mechanistic studies suggest that DMF delivers a methylene fragment followed by a hydride in the methylation process.