An approach to constructing γ-substituted δ-hydroxy ketones via Cu-catalyzed cyclopropanol-epoxide coupling.

Herein, we present Cu-catalyzed cyclopropanol coupling with monoarylated epoxides. The reported approach gives access to δ-hydroxy ketones, which are obtained with moderate to good yields. The reaction presumably proceeds via addition of the epoxide-derived benzyl radical to the cyclopropanol-derived Cu(II)-homoenolate. The employment of the synthesized Cu(I)-complex enables one-pot formation of the cyclic acetal.