Enantioselective α-Arylation of Carbonyls via Cu(I)-Bisoxazoline Catalysis

The enantioselective alpha-arylation of both lactones and acyl oxazolidones has been accomplished using a combination of diaryliodonium salts and copper catalysis. These mild catalytic conditions provide a new strategy for the enantioselective construction and retention of enolizable alpha-carbonyl benzylic stereocenters, a valuable synthon for the production of medicinal agents.