Preparation of aryl benzyl ketones by [1,2]-Wittig rearrangement

Abstract

α-(Benzotriazol-1-yl)benzyl ethers 4a-f were readily prepared by condensation of benzotriazole, aryl aldehydes and benzyl alcohols. A one-pot reaction involving deprotonation of 4 followed by [1,2]-Wittig rearrangement and departure of the benzotriazolyl group resulted in aryl benzyl ketones 6a-f in good yields.