Organocatalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of α-Hydroxyketones through a Friedel-Crafts Reaction of Naphthols and Activated Phenols with Aryl- and Alkylglyoxal Hydrates

An efficient organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of alpha-hydroxyketones has been developed. Quinine-derived thiourea catalyzed the enantioselective Friedel Crafts alkylation of naphthols and activated phenols with aryl- and alkylglyoxal hydrates, providing the corresponding chiral alpha-hydroxyketones with high yields (up to 97%) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee).