Direct organocatalytic hydroalkoxylation of α,β-unsaturated ketones

The direct addition of a variety of alcohols to in situ activated olefins was observed in the presence of mild bifunctional amine/acid catalysts. Unlike existing methods, the reactions proceed at room temperature and in the absence of transition metals. The use of simple commercially available catalysts, amines and acids makes this an attractive method for the preparation of β-alkoxy ketones, which are prevalent targets and intermediates in organic synthesis.