McMurry intermolecular cross-coupling between an ester and a ketone: scope and limitations

In the course of our studies towards the synthesis of a dioxetane bearing chemiluminescent probe for the detection of thiols, we were faced with the synthesis of sterically hindered benzylic enol ethers. This issue was solved via the use of an intermolecular McMurry cross-coupling between an ester and a ketone. In this article, together with the synthesis of the chemiluminescent probe, the scope and limitations of this low valent titanium based carboncarbon double bond formation are discussed.