Enantioselective Synthesis of Tertiary α‐Hydroxyketones from Unfunctionalized Ketones: Palladium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation of Enolates

Abstract

Aiming high: The title reaction for the synthesis of tertiary α-hydroxyketones is reported. Protected 1,2-enediol carbonates, the starting materials, were accessed from simple and readily available enol carbonates. Highly functionalized tertiary α-hydroxyketones can be obtained in high yield with excellent enantioselectivity using this method (see scheme).