Selective α-Methylation of Aryl Ketones Using Quaternary Ammonium Salts as Solid Methylating Agents
Johanna Templ, Michael Schnürch
Abstract
We describe the use of phenyl trimethylammonium iodide (PhMe3NI) as an alternative methylating agent for introducing a CH3 group in α-position to a carbonyl group. Compared to conventional methylating agents, quaternary ammonium salts have the advantages of being nonvolatile, noncancerogenic, and easy-to-handle solids. This regioselective method is characterized by ease of operational setup, use of anisole as green solvent, and yields up to 85%.
Topics & Concepts
ChemistryAmmoniumAnisoleArylSolventIodideMethyl iodideRegioselectivityMethylationOrganic chemistryAmmonium iodideCatalysisAlkylGeneBiochemistryCarbon dioxide utilization in catalysisCatalytic C–H Functionalization MethodsAsymmetric Hydrogenation and Catalysis