Reductive Coupling of Benzoyl Cyanide and Carbonyl Compounds by Aqueous Ti(III) Ions. A New Convenient and Selective Access to the Less Stable Mixed Benzoins

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo00062a038

The reactive species formed by the Ti(III) ion reduction of benzoyl cyanide (1) adds to the C-atom of carbonyl compounds 2 under simple experimental conditions.The intermediate 1,2-diols 3 are smoothly converted, without isolation, into the less thermodynamically stable mixed benzoins 4, which are not accessible by the classical benzoin condensation.The possible mechanisms involved in the reaction are discussed.