Synthesis of β-acetoxy alcohols by PhI(OAc)2-mediated metal-free diastereoselective β-acetoxylation of alcohols

Abstract

β-Acetoxy alcohols can be synthesized in good yields with excellent diastereoselectivity from tertiary alcohols through PhI(OAc)₂-mediated metal-free β-acetoxylation. Mechanistic studies showed that the β-acetoxylation process might undergo dehydration and sequential highly regioselective and diastereoseletive dioxygenation. Gram scale and diverse useful scaffolds could be prepared via this β-acetoxylation process.