Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 21, 2026

A Microwave-Assisted Direct Heteroarylation of Ketones Using Transition Metal Catalysis
Published on: February 16, 2020
Acetohydrazone: A Transient Directing Group for Arylation of Unactivated C(sp(3))-H Bonds
Fei Ma1, Min Lei2, Lihong Hu1,2
1Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology , Shanghai 200237, P. R. of China.
Abstract:
A straightforward and efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of 2-benzylbenzaldehyde derivatives from 2-methylbenzaldehyde and iodobenzene via a C(sp(3))-H activation process. In the course of the activation reaction, acetohydrazone is formed between 2-benzylbenzaldehyde and acetohydrazine as a transient directing group. As a new kind of transient directing group, acetohydrazone exhibits a remarkable directing effect to give corresponding products in good to excellent yields.
Related Concept Videos
ortho–para-Directing Activators: –CH3, –OH, –⁠NH2, –OCH3
Regioselectivity and Stereochemistry of Acid-Catalyzed Hydration
Alkynes to Aldehydes and Ketones: Acid-Catalyzed Hydration
Analogous to alkenes, alkynes also undergo acid-catalyzed hydration. While the addition of water to an alkene gives an alcohol, hydration of alkynes produces different products such as aldehydes and ketones.
Regioselectivity and Stereochemistry of Hydroboration
Hydroboration proceeds in a concerted fashion with the attack of borane on the π bond, giving a cyclic four-centered transition state. The –BH2 group is bonded to the less substituted carbon and –H to the more substituted carbon. The concerted nature requires the simultaneous addition of –H and –BH2 across the same face of the alkene giving syn stereochemistry.
ortho–para-Directing Deactivators: Halogens
Alkynes to Aldehydes and Ketones: Hydroboration-Oxidation
One of the convenient methods for the preparation of aldehydes and ketones is via hydration of alkynes. Hydroboration-oxidation of alkynes is an indirect hydration reaction in which an alkyne is treated with borane followed by oxidation with alkaline peroxide to form an enol that rapidly converts into an aldehyde or a ketone. Terminal alkynes form aldehydes, whereas internal alkynes give ketones as the final product.

