Synthesis 2008(20): 3205-3208  
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1083149
PAPER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ˙ New York

An Efficient Method for the Synthesis of α-Hydroxyalkyl Aryl Ketones

Chengqun Chen, Xinghua Feng, Guozhen Zhang, Qin Zhao, Guosheng Huang*
State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. of China
Fax: +86(931)8912582; e-Mail: hgs2368@163.com;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 8 May 2008
Publication Date:
25 September 2008 (online)

Abstract

Exposure of alkyl aryl ketones to Oxone®/trifluoroacetic anhydride in the presence of a catalytic amount of iodobenzene affords α-hydroxyalkyl aryl ketones in good yield. This method provides an effective and economical entry for the installation of α-hydroxy moieties into ketones and should find wide application in the construction of the α-hydroxy ketone subunit in natural product synthesis.