Flow Microreactor Technology for Taming Highly Reactive Chloroiodomethyllithium Carbenoid: Direct and Chemoselective Synthesis of α-Chloroaldehydes

Org Lett. 2020 May 1;22(9):3623-3627. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.0c01085. Epub 2020 Apr 10.

Abstract

A straightforward flow synthesis of α-chloro aldehydes has been developed. The strategy involves, for the first time, the thermal unstable chloroiodomethyllithium carbenoid and carbonyl compounds. A batch versus flow comparative study showcases the superb capability of flow technology in prolonging the lifetime of the lithiated carbenoid, even at -20 °C. Remarkably, the high chemoselectivity realized in flow allowed for preparing polyfunctionalized α-chloro aldehydes not easily accessible with traditional batch procedures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't