Yttrium triflate-catalyzed addition of lithium enolates to 1,2-epoxides. Efficient synthesis of γ-hydroxy ketones

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(00)78266-9

A simple, efficient method is described for the synthesis of γ-hydroxy ketones by the direct opening of 1,2-epoxides with lithium enolates derived from simple ketones in anhydrous toluene, in the presence of Y(OTf)₃.