Trimerization of aliphatic aldehydes to 1,3-diol monoesters catalyzed by Cp*2Sm(thf)2

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(98)01447-6

Aliphatic aldehydes underwent trimerization in the presence of a catalytic amount of Cp*₂Sm(thf)₂ under ambient conditions to form 1,3- diol monoestcrs in good yields. For example, the reaction of acetoaldehyde catalyzed by Cp*₂Sm(thf)₂ gave 4-acetoxy-2-butanol (2a) and 3-acetoxy-1- butanol (3a) in 86% yield.