The α-alkylation of ketones in flow

• Ella Cooper^a
• Emma Alcock^a
• Mark Power^a
• Gerard McGlacken^a

• ^aSchool of Chemistry and Analytical and Biological Chemistry Research Facility, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland

The α-deprotonation and alkylation of ketones is a fundamental transformation in organic chemistry. However, the apparent simplicity of this process belies its complexity. Oftentimes experimental conditions are non-ideal, and yields are low. Herein, we directly target these issues, and provide a continuous flow methodology which leads to excellent yields, reduces reaction time, avoids cryogenic temperatures, minimises exposure to alkyllithiums/alkylhalides, and can be scaled-out.

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