Iodobenzene-catalyzed synthesis of α,α′-dihydroxy ketones: In situ generation of [bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]benzene

ABSTRACT

Exposure of ethynyl carbinols to oxone/(CF₃CO)₂O in the presence of a catalytic amount of iodobenzene afforded α,α′-dihydroxy ketones in good yield, which are common structural motifs in natural products and biologically active compounds. Compared with traditional methods, this method is more convenient and avoids using stoichiometric amounts of hypervalent iodine reagents.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• α,α′-Dihydroxy ketones
• ethynyl carbinol
• iodobenzene
• oxone