One-Pot, Selective and Mild Conversion of Benzylic Alcohols to Gem-Dichlorides Using Chlorodiphenylphosphine and 2,3-Dichloro-5,6-Dicyanobenzoquinone as A New and Neutral System

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Abstract

A mild and one-pot conversion of benzylic alcohols to their corresponding gem-dichlorides is reported for the first time using chlorodiphenylphosphine (ClPPh₂) and 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzoquinone (DDQ) in dichloromethane under neutral conditions and at room temperature. The present method can be efficiently used for preparation of gem-dichlorides even in the presence of some other functional groups with excellent chemoselectivity.

Keywords:

• Alcohol, gem-dichloride
• chlorodiphenylphosphine
• 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-benzoquinone
• chemoselectivity