The oxidative Alkylation Reaction of Vinylarenes with Cyclic Ethers Catalyzed by a Cu-Based Metal–Organic Framework

Abstract

Aryl alkyl ketones constitute a significant class of chemical intermediates extensively employed across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, dyes, pesticides, and related fields. Herein, the oxidative alkylation of aryl olefins and cyclic ethers is explored using a copper-based metal–organic framework (MOF) in conjunction with tert-butyl hydroperoxide as the oxidant. Under the reaction temperature of 80 °C, the oxidative alkylation of substituted styrene and cyclic ethers leads to high-yield phenyl alkyl ketone products, such as 1-phenyl-2-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl) ethan-1-one (91%) and 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)ethan-1-one (90%). This heterogeneous catalytic protocol exhibits broad applicability, accommodating a wide range of aromatic vinylarenes and cyclic ethers, demonstrating excellent reaction selectivity and an extensive substrate scope. Moreover, the catalyst maintains its catalytic activity through at least five reuse cycles, highlighting its robustness and sustainability in catalytic processes.