Studies towards the stereoselective α-hydroxylation of flavanones. Biosynthetic significance

Article abstract of DOI:10.1071/CH07325

The enolates of various propiophenones, chromanones, and also analogues of naturally occurring flavanones were stereoselectively hydroxylated at the ?-position, by employing commercially available enantiopure oxaziridines, to afford the desired ?-hydroxylated target molecules in good to exceptional stereoselectivities and in moderate to good chemical yields. A mechanistic rationale is presented to account for the stereoselectivities achieved. These in vitro results were tentatively related to the stereoselective biosynthesis of enantio-enriched dihydroflavonols while questions were raised about the authenticity of certain natural compounds. CSIRO 2008.