KSO promoted metal-free direct C-alkylation of acetophenones with alcohols

Herein, we report a metal-free synthetic methodology for the C-alkylation of acetophenones following a hydrogen borrowing-like pathway using the commercially available inorganic oxidant K 2 S 2 O 8 in conjunction with KO t Bu. This study articulates the potential of K 2 S 2 O 8 in fast initiation of the oxidation of benzyl alcohols to develop an atom-economical, easy, and more efficient methodology for the C-alkylation of various acetophenones and synthesis of a variety of substituted quinolines. Experimental data from control experiments, literature and characterization of intermediates through spectroscopic techniques support the proposed plausible mechanism. A metal-free synthetic methodology for the C-alkylation of acetophenones following a hydrogen borrowing-like pathway using the commercially available inorganic oxidant K 2 S 2 O 8 in conjunction with KO t Bu is reported.