Direct Asymmetric Catalytic Oxidation of Ketones to α-Hydroxy Ketones Using a Chiral Bimetallic Pd(II) Complex

Chiral bimetallic palladium (II) complex B was used in a catalytic air oxidation process to convert ketones directly into optically active α-hydroxyketones. The reaction was carried out in an aqueous solution of THF or dioxane, and in the presence of a catalytic amount of an acid. The enantiomeric excess (e.e.) of produced