# Serendipity-Driven Telescoped Synthesis of 2‑Aryl Glycidic Esters from Aldehydes

## TL;DR

Scientists developed a new efficient method to synthesize valuable 2-aryl glycidic esters using a streamlined, room-temperature process.

## Contribution

A novel telescoped synthesis method for glycidic esters with scalability and high yield is introduced.

## Key findings

- A seven-reaction telescoped process yields glycidic esters in up to 73% overall yield.
- The method uses aldehydes and operates at room temperature with benign solvents.
- The epoxides are converted into new β-amino α-hydroxy esters with a quaternary stereocenter.

## Abstract

A first general and practical method for the synthesis
of valuable
2-(hetero)­aryl glycidic ethyl esters has been developed using commercially
available reagents and a catalyst. A telescoped three-step seven-reaction
process, based on a Knoevenagel/nitro-Michael/hydroxylation/double
elimination/epoxidation/esterification sequence, provides the epoxides
in up to 73% overall yield. This one-pot protocol features (i) aldehydes
as versatile feedstocks, among the reagents used in the process; (ii)
all steps proceeding at room temperature in benign solvents; and (iii)
scalability of the reaction up to 5 mmol. The epoxides are elaborated
to obtain new attractive β-amino α-hydroxy esters, bearing
a quaternary stereocenter, including tryptamine- and morpholine-based
esters.