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Updated: Jun 1, 2026

The Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity of a Series of Ruthenium N-triphosPh Complexes
Published on: April 10, 2015
Ruthenium-catalyzed conversion of sp3 C-O bonds in ethers to C-C bonds using triarylboroxines
Yohei Ogiwara1, Takuya Kochi, Fumitoshi Kakiuchi
1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan.
Abstract:
Catalytic conversion of unreactive sp(3) C-O bonds in alkyl ethers to C-C bonds is described. Alkyl ethers bearing 2- or 4-pyridyl groups were coupled with triarylboroxines in the presence of a ruthenium catalyst. Triarylboroxines bearing a variety of functional groups including electron-withdrawing and -donating groups can be used for the reaction. No additional base was required for the coupling with the organoboron reagents, and base-sensitive groups can be tolerated. The reaction is considered to proceed via dehydroalkoxylation followed by addition of triarylboroxines to form C-C bonds.
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