anti-Dihydroxylation of olefins enabled by in situ generated peroxyacetic acid

Abstract

Herein, we report a general and green protocol for the anti-dihydroxylation of unactivated alkenes. Combining H₂O₂ and acetic acid at 50 °C results in the formation of peroxyacetic acid, which enables the efficient synthesis of a wide range of anti 1,2-diols in moderate to good yields without the need for hazardous solvents or expensive transition metals as catalysts.