A Novel Reaction Type Promoted by Aqueous Titanium Trichloride. Synthesis of Allylic Pinacols

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo00158a021

Electron-withdrawing substituted carbonyl compounds which are allowed to react with 2 equiv of aqueous titanium trichloride selectively add to the carbonyl carbon atom of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes.Highly functionalized allylic pinacols are obtained in good yields under very simple experimental conditions.The fundamental role played by the titanium(III) ion is discussed.