Direct use of esters in the Mukaiyama aldol reaction: A powerful and convenient alternative to aldehydes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/ol3001443

An indium triiodide catalyst promoted the direct transformation from esters to β-hydroxycarbonyl compounds using hydrosilanes and silyl enolates by a one-stage process. Various esters were applicable, and the high chemoselectivity of this system brings compatibility to many functional groups: alkenyl, alkynyl, chloro, and hydroxy.