Rhodium(I)-N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Catalyzed Addition Of Sodium Tetraphenylborate To Ketones To Form Tertiary Alcohols

Abstract

Rhodium complexes ([Rh(COD)(NHC)Cl]) were synthesized by the reaction of bis(1,3-dialkylperhydrobenzimidazolin-2-ylidene) with [RhClCOD](2) in toluene and characterized by elemental analysis, H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR and IR spectroscopy. These complexes were used as catalysts for the addition of sodium tetraphenylborate to aromatic ketones and corresponding tertiary alcohols were obtained in good yields.