The Barbier-Type Alkylation of Aldehydes with Alkyl Halides in the Presence of Metallic Strontium

In the presence of metallic strontium, the Barbier-type alkylation of aldehydes with alkyl iodides proceeded smoothly at −15 °C under an argon atmosphere to afford the corresponding alkylated alcohols in moderate to good yields. The unusual addition reaction of ethyl benzoate with tert-butyl iodide took place to give the p-tert-butylated alkylated product (the 1,6-adduct of the benzoate) in 55% yield. Using strontium isopropoxide, the Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley-type reduction of the aldehyde proceeded smoothly under reflux conditions in 2-propanol.