Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026

Retropinacol/Cross-pinacol Coupling Reactions - A Catalytic Access to 1,2-Unsymmetrical Diols
Published on: April 4, 2014
Selective catalytic sp3 C-O bond cleavage with C-N bond formation in 3-alkoxy-1-propanols
1Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore.
Abstract:
The ruthenium catalyzed selective sp(3) C-O cleavage with amide formation was reported in reactions of 3-alkoxy-1-propanol derivatives and amines. The cleavage only occurs at the C3-O position even with 3-benzyloxy-1-propanol. Based on the experimental results, O-bound and C-bound Ru enolate complexes were proposed as key intermediates for the unique selective sp(3) C-O bond cleavage in 3-alkoxy-1-propanols.
Related Concept Videos
Alkynes to Carboxylic Acids: Oxidative Cleavage
C–C Bond Cleavage: Retro-Aldol Reaction
In the first step, as depicted in Figure 1, the base deprotonates the β-hydroxy ketone at the hydroxyl group to form an alkoxide ion.
Oxidative Cleavage of Alkenes: Ozonolysis
Ozone is a symmetrical bent molecule stabilized by a resonance structure.
Regioselectivity and Stereochemistry of Acid-Catalyzed Hydration
Hydroboration-Oxidation of Alkenes
Preparation of Alcohols via Substitution Reactions
Alcohols can be synthesized from alkyl halides via nucleophilic substitution reactions. The highly polar carbon-halogen bond in the substrate makes halide a good leaving group. The hydroxide ion or water can act as a nucleophile to take the place of halide and form an alcohol. The substitution reactions occur via two different reaction pathways, SN1 or SN2, depending on the nature of carbon attached to the halide.
Primary alcohols are synthesized from primary alkyl halides, and the...
