Bromine-Radical-Mediated Synthesis of -Functionalized ,- and ,ε-Unsaturated Ketones via C-H Functionalization of Aldehydes

The bromine-radical-mediated allylation reaction of aldehydes was studied. In the presence of V-65 as radical initiator, the reaction of aldehydes with allyl bromides gave beta,gamma-unsaturated ketones in good yields (13 examples, 45-84%). The reaction is triggered by hydrogen abstraction from the aldehyde by bromine radical to form an acyl radical, which undergoes an S(H)2'-type addition-elimination reaction with allyl bromides to give coupling products with liberation of bromine radical. Three-component coupling reactions comprising aldehydes, electron-deficient alkenes, and methallyl bromide also proceeded to give delta,epsilon-unsaturated ketones.