Hydrogen Borrowing Catalysis with Secondary Alcohols: A New Route for the Generation of β‑Branched Carbonyl Compounds

A hydrogen borrowing reaction employing secondary alcohols and Ph* (Me₅C₆) ketones to give β-branched carbonyl products is described (21 examples). This new C–C bond forming process requires low loadings of [Cp*IrCl₂]₂, relatively low temperatures, and up to 2.0 equiv of the secondary alcohol. Substrate-induced diastereoselectivity was observed, and this represents the first example of a diastereoselective enolate hydrogen borrowing alkylation. By utilizing the Ph* group, the β-branched products could be straightforwardly cleaved to the corresponding esters or amides using a <i>retro</i>-Friedel–Crafts reaction. Finally, this protocol was applied to the synthesis of fragrance compound (±)-3-methyl-5-phenylpentanol