Iridium–CNP complex catalyzed cross-coupling of primary alcohols and secondary alcohols by a borrowing hydrogen strategy

A highly efficient C-C bond formation has been developed through the cross-coupling of primary and secondary alcohols. The corresponding functionalized ketones were obtained with an iridium-CNP complex as a catalyst through the borrowing hydrogen strategy. The present methodology provides an easy alternative method to aldol reaction derivatives. More importantly, the complexes were also effective catalysts for the alkylation of an aromatic amine with a tertiary alkyl amine.