Direct α-alkylation of ketones with primary alcohols catalyzed by iridium–CNP complex

The α-alkylation of ketones with primary alcohols was realized by CC cross-coupling with iridium–CNP complexes as catalyst. This reaction proceeds via dehydrogenation reactions, aldol condensation, and hydrogenation using the borrowed hydrogen atoms from alcohols. The pyridyl methanols and other heterocyclic substituted methanols, especially alkyl alcohols, were also suitable for this transformation.