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CHEM01200604012 Dibakar Goswami - Homi Bhabha National ...

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For the benzylation reaction, the combinations of Zn/CuCl 2. 2H 2 O and Zn/FeCl 3<br />

were unsuccessful. To our delight, the reaction between benzyl bromide and different<br />

aldehydes 10a-g took place successfully with the Mg/CuCl 2 .2H 2 O combination affording<br />

the homobenzylic alcohols 11a-g in acceptable yields that varied from ~58-74% (Scheme<br />

5, Table 4). The protocol was effective for both aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes,<br />

although it was slightly slower with aliphatic substrates.<br />

Interestingly, benzylation of 3 produced 12 in better yield (68.4%) and much<br />

improved syn selectivity [syn-12a: anti-12b:: 80 : 20] compared to Grignard addition<br />

(56% yield and ~1:1 isomeric ratio). The predominant formation of syn-12a suggested the<br />

intermediacy of an α-chelate cyclic transition state that would be possible via the<br />

involvement of a nucleophilic attack by the organocopper reagent to 3.<br />

RCHO<br />

10a-g<br />

+ PhCH 2 Br<br />

i<br />

R<br />

OH<br />

Ph<br />

11a-g<br />

i<br />

O + PhCH 2 Br<br />

O<br />

CHO<br />

3<br />

i) Mg, CuCl 2 , 2H 2 O / moist THF/ rt<br />

O<br />

O<br />

12a<br />

OH<br />

+<br />

Ph<br />

O<br />

O<br />

OH<br />

12b<br />

Ph<br />

Scheme 5<br />

xi

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