Direct Barbier-type allylation of aromatic acetals and dioxolanes in the presence of β-cyclodextrin in water

A new and convenient procedure for the synthesis of homoallylic alcohols directly from aromatic acetals and dioxolanes has been developed with very good yields under biomimetic conditions using a Zn-mediated Barbier-type allylation in the presence of β-cyclodextrin in water.