Recent Advances for Alkylation of Ketones and Secondary Alcohols Using Alcohols in Homogeneous Catalysis

The alkylation of ketones or secondary alcohols using alcohols as alkylating agents via hydrogen borrowing strategy presents a powerful method for the synthesis of ɑ‐alkylated ketones. In this review, we summarize the progress catalyzed by Ir, Pd, Rh, Ru, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu catalysts for the α‐alkylation of ketones with alcohols and cross‐coupling of secondary alcohols with alcohols from 2017 to 2021. A wide range of ketones (aromatic and aliphatic ketones) and alcohols (benzylic and aliphatic primary alcohols, aromatic and aliphatic secondary alcohols, alkenyl alcohols, and diols) are well tolerated. Furthermore, we also discuss current challenges and propose perspectives on the coming development in this filed. The objective of the present review is to give an overview on recent advances for α‐alkylation of ketones with alcohols and β‐alkylation of secondary alcohols with alcohols. Finally, we hope that this review will give inspirations on alkylation of ketones or secondary alcohols with alcohols.