CuI/l-proline-catalyzed selective one-step mono-acylation of styrenes and stilbenes

Vicinal di-oxygenation of styrene-type olefins was achieved with cheaper, less toxic CuI in the presence of l-proline as ligand and NaIO4 as the oxidant. This approach provides a straightforward and efficient access to mono-acylated diols from both styrene and stilbene derivatives with good to excellent yields and diastereoselectivity.