Asymmetric oxy-Michael addition to γ-hydroxy-α,β-unsaturated carbonyls using formaldehyde as an oxygen-centered nucleophile.

Formaldehyde was utilized as an oxygen-centered nucleophile in an asymmetric oxy-Michael addition to γ-hydroxy-α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds using bifunctional organocatalysts through hemiacetal intermediates. The cyclic acetal product could be further transformed into β-hydroxycarbonyl compounds, useful synthetic intermediates leading to various important target molecules. As such, this method is an example of a novel formal asymmetric hydration of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds.