Practical one-pot sequence for the asymmetric synthesis of 1,2 diols from primary alcohols

A practical one-pot three-step sequence is reported for the asymmetric synthesis of α-benzoyloxylated alcohols from primary alcohols. Good overall yields (36–52%) and enantioselectivities (91–94% e.e.) are obtained using a commercial organocatalyst in the key oxylation reaction. A simple modification in the protocol allows the formation of enantioenriched γ-benzoyloxylated α,β-unsaturated ester from alcohol. Synthetic utility has been harnessed to the easy preparation of (−)-γ-octalactone from hexan-1-ol.