Cs₂CO₃-Promoted reaction of tertiary bromopropargylic alcohols and phenols in DMF: a novel approach to α-phenoxyketones

Abstract

The reaction of bromopropargylic alcohols with phenols in the presence of Cs2CO3/DMF affords α-phenoxy-α’-hydroxyketones (1:1 adducts) and α,α-diphenoxyketones (1:2 adducts) in up to 92% and 24% yields, respectively. Both products are formed via ring opening of the same intermediates, 1,3-dioxolan-2-ones, generated in situ from bromopropargylic alcohols and Cs2CO3.