Conversion of α,β-unsaturated ketones into α-hydroxy ketones using an MnIII catalyst, phenylsilane and dioxygen:: acceleration of conjugate hydride reduction by dioxygen

Treatment of a variety of alpha,beta -unsaturated ketones with Mn(dpm)(3) (3 mol%)/PhSiH3 (1.3 equiv.)/isopropyl alcohol/O-2, followed by reductive work-up with P(OEt)(3) resulted in the formation of alpha -hydroxy-ketones. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.