A Cu-catalyzed practical approach to α-ketoesters under air: an efficient aerobic oxidative dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols and α-carbonyl aldehydes

A novel and efficient approach to α-ketoesters has been developed with wide functional group tolerance. This copper-catalyzed oxidative dehydrogenative coupling reaction of alcohols and α-carbonyl aldehydes employs air as the oxidant and generates H2O as the only by-product. Broad substrate scope, high atom economy and mild reaction conditions make this chemistry very practical.