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 α-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 α-hydroxyketones with high yields (up to 97%) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee).