A RhCl(PPh3)3/BF3·OEt2 co-promoted direct C–C cross-coupling of alcohols at β-position with aldehydes

A novel RhCl(PPh3)3/BF3·OEt2 co-promoted direct C–C cross-coupling of primary and secondary alcohols at β-position with aldehyde was developed. This reaction could provide an efficient synthesis of a series of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and diarylidene ketones, just from simple and easily available alcohols and aldehydes.