Base-catalyzed isomerization of 2-isoxazolines enables a two-step enantioselective synthesis of β-hydroxynitriles from enals.

The asymmetric synthesis of β-hydroxynitriles remains a challenge in organic synthesis. Herein we report a convenient synthesis of β-hydroxynitriles from enantiomerically enriched 3-unsubstituted 2-isoxazolines via a base-catalyzed ring-opening reaction that takes place without loss of enantiopurity. In combination with organocatalytic enantioselective synthesis of 3-unsubstituted 2-isoxazolines, the ring-opening enables a short 2-step synthesis of β-hydroxynitriles from α,β-unsaturated aldehydes in high enantiomeric purity.