Iron-Catalyzed Oxidative Direct α-C-H Bond Functionalization of Cyclic Ethers: Selective C-O Bond Formation in the Presence of a Labile Aldehyde Group

Iron catalyzed oxidative coupling of salicylaldehydes with cydic ethers proceeded through the direct a-C H functionalization of ethers, forming the corresponding acetals in moderate to excellent yields. This is the first example of iron catalyzed selective C-O bond formation in the presence of a sensitive aldehyde moiety.