A simple and efficient FeCl3-catalyzed direct alkylation of active methylene compounds with benzylic and allylic alcohols under mild conditions

A highly efficient FeCl3-catalyzed alkylation of various active methylene compounds with various benzylic or allylic alcohols under mild conditions has been developed. The reaction was carried out in the presence of a catalytic amount of anhydrous FeCl3 (10 mol %) under reflux in methylene chloride. High to excellent yields were obtained.