Abstract
Herein, we report new reactivity of the conducting polymer, poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxy thiophene) (PEDOT), where PEDOT mediates a Ritter reaction between alcohols and acetonitrile. The yields were variable and in most cases competitive with results obtained using sulfuric acid. Attempts at a stoichiometric reaction between benzonitrile and diphenylmethanol are also reported herein. Finally, described here are preliminary mechanistic studies that suggest PEDOT is behaving as an alcohol-selective or specific Lewis acid.
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GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Notes
a 8 and 9 were not separated during purification. Ratios as determined by 1H NMR integration are 4:1 of 8/9 (% calculated).
b 5 and 8 were obtained as an inseparable mixture. Ratios as determined by 1H NMR integration are 2:1 of 5/8 for entries 2 and 4 (% calculated).
Note. ND, not detected.