Reaction of molybdenum pentoxide/pyridine/hexamethylphosphoramide with Grignard reagents. Conversion of organic bromides into hydroxy derivatives

Abstract

The reaction of molybdenum pentoxide/pyridine/hexamethylphosphoramide for selective conversion of organic bromides into alcohols and phenols was evaluated from the corresponding Grignard intermediates. The transition-metal complex readily reacted with primary, secondary, and tertiary alkylmagnesium bromides. The conversion of bornyl and norbornyl Grignard reagents into the hydroxy derivatives proceeded with retention of configuration which suggests the utility of this complex for stereoselective syntheses.