The synthesis of enantioenriched α-hydroxy esters

α-Hydroxy esters are key structural units of valuable synthetic intermediates as well as natural products. In this review, enantioenriched α-hydroxy esters with moderate to excellent yield were prepared via various organocatalytic synthesis reactions.

Graphical abstractIn this review, the synthesis of α-hydroxy esters with moderate to excellent yields and stereoselectivities is discussed through the various synthesis reactions, mainly including heteroatom rearrangements, carbonyl-ene, oxidation of β-keto esters, reduction of α-keto esters, kinetic resolution, and glycolate alkylation (arylation).Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide