McMurry reaction

McMurry reaction
Named after John E. McMurry
Reaction type Coupling reaction
Identifiers
Organic Chemistry Portal mcmurry-reaction
The McMurry reaction of benzophenone

The McMurry reaction is an organic reaction in which two ketone or aldehyde groups are coupled to form an alkene using a titanium chloride compound such as titanium(III) chloride and a reducing agent. The reaction is named after its co-discoverer, John E. McMurry. The McMurry reaction originally involved the use of a mixture TiCl3 and LiAlH4, which produces the active reagents. Related species have been developed involving the combination of TiCl3 or TiCl4 with various other reducing agents, including potassium, zinc, and magnesium.[1][2] This reaction is related to the Pinacol coupling reaction which also proceeds by reductive coupling of carbonyl compounds.

  1. ^ Richards, Ian C. (2001). "Titanium(IV) Chloride-Zinc". Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis. doi:10.1002/047084289X.rt125. ISBN 0471936235.
  2. ^ Banwell, Martin G. (2001). "Titanium(III) Chloride-Lithium Aluminum Hydride". Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis. doi:10.1002/047084289X.rt129. ISBN 0471936235.