KOH-catalyzed cross-coupling of primary and secondary alcohols: evidence for radical pathways

Abstract

A simple base, KOH-catalyzed cross-coupling of primary and secondary alcohols is reported in which the primary alcohols play the role of alkylation reagents. EPR and mechanistic studies confirmed the involvement of radical and ketone intermediates formed from primary and secondary alcohols, respectively, leading to the formation of β-alkylated secondary alcohols. Graphical abstract: A simple base-catalyzed synthesis of higher secondary alcohols directly from the cross-coupling of primary and secondary alcohols is reported.[Figure not available: see fulltext.].