NalO4/LiBr-mediated diastereoselective dihydroxylation of olefins:: A catalytic approach to the prevost-woodward reaction

LlBr catalyzes efficiently the dihydroxylation of alkenes to afford syn and anti diols with excellent diastereoselectivity depending upon the use of NaIO4 (30 mol %) or Phl(OAc)(2) (1 equiv), respectively, as the oxidants. The oxidation of non-benzylic halides has been achieved for the first time to afford the corresponding diols in excellent yields.