Synthesis of chiral 1,2,3-triols via organocatalyzed α-hydroxylation of protected β-hydroxyaldehydes

Protected 1,2,3-triols were prepared by organocatalytic α-hydroxylation of β-hydroxyaldehydes followed by in situ reduction. All diastereoisomers were obtained with correct yields and good to excellent de. The absolute configurations of the new asymmetric centers were confirmed by derivatization into the corresponding epoxide.