Experimental and theoretical insights for designing Zn2+ complexes to trigger chemo-selective hetero-coupling of alcohols.

Designing well-defined Zn-complexes for sustainable dehydrogenative catalysis overcoming the difficulties associated with activating Zn2+(d10)-metal species is considered paramount goal in catalysis. Herein, we explore the plausibility of ß-alkylation of secondary alcohols with primary alcohols by well-defined 3d10 Zn-complexes. Detailed organometallic and catalytic investigations, in conjunction with computational analyses, were conducted to ascertain the potential involvement of the catalyst at various stages of the catalytic process.

Change in the Product Selectivity in the Visible Light-Induced Selenium Radical-Mediated 1,4-Aryl Migration Process.

Herein, we demonstrate a visible light-induced selenium radical-mediated domino reaction of aryl alkynoates, for the synthesis of 1,1-diselenide alkene derivatives and selenium-containing α,ß-unsaturated carboxylic acid. The process is mild, metal free, easy to handle, and scalable. The decarboxylation step can be controlled by applying a catalytic amount of Eosin Y dye and cesium carbonate as a base. The methodology shows good functional group tolerance and provides decent yields of the products. In addition, the synthetic utility of this protocol was expanded further by preparing the allylic alcohol, α,ß-unsaturated ester, and vinylic halides.