Efficient Selective Formation of C‐C Single Bonds and C˭C Double Bonds by NBS‐Promoted Oxidative Coupling of β‐Keto Esters

Abstract

A new application of NBS, which results in the oxidative coupling of β‐keto esters to selectively form C‐C single and C˭C double bonds, can be controlled by the amount of NBS and t‐BuOK employed. This methodology adds a new entry to C‐C single and C˭C double‐bond formation between active methylene groups under mild conditions with high selectivity.

Keywords:

• active methylene groups
• β‐keto esters
• NBS
• oxidative coupling

Acknowledgment

This work was supported by Central China Normal University, the Scientific Research Foundation for the Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars, and State Education Ministry (No. [2005] 383).