Hydroxylation of β-dicarbonyls with zirconium catalysts

摘要

The present invention pertains to a process for preparing a compound of Formula I that is achiral, racemic or enantiomerically enriched at the hydroxylation center indicated by *; comprising contacting a compound of Formula II; with an oxidant selected from oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, peracids or alkyl hydroperoxides in the presence of a zirconium complex, wherein R¹, R² and R³ are as defined in the disclosure. This invention also pertains to zirconium complexes useful in this procedure comprising zirconium and a ligand of Formula III or its enantiomer; wherein J, R⁶ and n are as defined in the disclosure. This invention further pertains to a compound of Formula III or its enantiomer.