Asymmetric α-hydroxy ketone synthesis by direct ketone oxidation using a bimetallic palladium(II) complex

摘要

The oxidation of ketones by a chiral bimetallic palladium(II) complex in the presence of CuCl2 in THF-water solvents gave an enantioselective synthesis of α-hydroxyketones in catalytic oxidation utilizing an atmosphere of oxygen. The ee's ranged from 61% to 92%. The reaction was accelerated by addition of strong acid that presumably increases the rate of enolization.