Iron-catalyzed hydroxylation of β-ketoesters with hydrogen peroxide as oxidant

The hydroxylation of β-ketoesters was studied using simple iron catalysts and 30 wt % hydrogen peroxide as the terminal oxidant. The highest activity and yield were achieved in the presence of iron(III) chloride. Cyclic β-ketoesters could be smoothly hydroxylated in 75-90% yield. For linear β-ketoester and β-ketoamide, the chloro-substituted products were obtained.

Graphical abstractThe selective hydroxylation of β-ketoesters was realized using hydrogen peroxide as oxidant catalyzed by iron(III) chloride. 75-90% yield could be achieved for the hydroxylation of cyclic ketoesters.Download full-size image