Reductive One-Carbon Homologation of Aldehydes and Ketones

Recent approaches towards one-carbon homologation-functionalization of aldehydes

One-carbon homologation-functionalization in organic synthesis is a quite challenging and difficult task in terms of atom economy, ease of reaction, selectivity and number of steps involved. Due to the reactivity associated with most classes of carbonyls, these groups have always attracted a great deal of attention from synthetic chemists to transform them into various functionalities. In this context various researchers developed new methods for one-carbon extension-functionalization of carbonyls that serve as effective synthetic methodologies and are widely used in target-oriented and natural product synthesis. On account of the vast applicability associated with these transformations, herein we seek to summarize and highlight the important synthetic achievements in this advancing arena for various one-carbon homologation cum functionalization reactions of aldehydes and deep dive into some modern approaches adopted by organic chemists.

Copper-catalyzed tandem oxidation-olefination process

A novel catalytic sequence aerobic oxidation-olefination has been developed. A single and inexpensive copper catalyst provides a large range of olefins from alcohols in good to excellent yields. The reaction exhibits excellent functional group compatibility, and the nonbasic reaction conditions allow the transformation of chiral substrates without racemization.

One-pot approach for the synthesis of trans-cyclopropyl compounds from aldehydes. Application to the synthesis of GPR40 receptor agonists

A novel multicatalytic one-pot process providing trans-cyclopropyl compounds from corresponding aldehydes has been developed and applied to the synthesis of GPR40 small molecule agonists.