Sonochemical Reformatsky reaction using indium

Abstract

Sonochemical Reformatsky reaction of aldehydes or ketones with ethyl bromoacetate in the presence of indium afforded β-hydroxyesters in good to excellent yields under mild conditions. 2- or 3-Hydroxybenzaldehyde that contains an acidic hydrogen reacted with ethyl bromoacetate to provide the desired compounds with the same efficiency. In the case of ethyl 2-bromopropanoate and ethyl 2-bromo-2-methylpropanoate, the desired products were obtained in good yields. Reaction of aldehyde with indium reagent in the presence of ketone group proceeded chemoselectively.