Synthesis of 2-acylphenol and flavene derivatives from the ruthenium-catalyzed oxidative c-h acylation of phenols with aldehydes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/ejoc.201403518

The cationic ruthenium hydride complex [(C₆H₆)(PCy₃)(CO)RuH]⁺BF₄^- has been found to be an effective catalyst for the oxidative C-H coupling reaction of phenols with aldehydes to give 2-acylphenol compounds. The coupling of phenols with α,β-unsaturated aldehydes selectively gives the flavene derivatives. The catalytic method mediates direct oxidative C-H coupling of phenol and aldehyde substrates without using any metal oxidants or forming wasteful byproducts. A cationic ruthenium hydride complex catalyzes the oxidative C-H coupling of phenols with aldehydes to form 2-acylphenol and flavene derivatives.