The α-arylation of carbonyl compounds is generally accomplished under basic conditions, both under metal catalysis and via aryl transfer from the diaryl λ(3)-iodanes. Here, we describe an alternative metal-free α-arylation using ArI(O2CCF3)2 as the source of a 2-iodoaryl group. The reaction is applicable to activated ketones, such as α-cyanoketones, and works with substituted aryliodanes. This formal C-H functionalization reaction is thought to proceed through a [3,3] rearrangement of an iodonium enolate. The final α-(2-iodoaryl)ketones are versatile synthetic building blocks.

N-Vinyl ureas are emerging as a valuable class of compounds with both nucleophilic and electrophilic reactivity. They may be made by capturing the enamine tautomer of an imine with an isocyanate, a reaction which in general leads to the E isomer of the vinyl urea. Deprotonation of such a vinyl urea, or of an allyl urea, generates a dipole stabilized Z-allyl anion which may be protonated to return the Z-vinyl urea. Isomerization of an allyl urea with a Ru complex provides an alternative route to E-vinyl ureas.

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The stereochemical outcome of the Lewis acid-mediated glycolate addition of the titanium enolates from protected N-hydroxyacetyl-4-isopropyl-1,3-thiazolidine-2-thiones to dimethyl and dibenzyl acetals depends on the hydroxyl protecting group. Particularly, the pivaloyl protected glycolate derivative provides the reluctant anti adducts in high yields and diastereomeric ratios, which can be isolated and further converted in enantiomerically pure form to β-methoxy or β-benzyloxy α-pivaloyloxy carbonyl fragments in a straightforward manner.

( S )‐Valinol Carbon disulfide ( S)‐ 4‐Isopropyl‐1,3‐thiazolidine‐2‐thione n‐ Butyllithium Propanoyl chloride ( S)‐ 4‐Isopropyl‐ N‐ propanoyl‐1,3‐thiazolidine‐2‐thione