α-Lithiobenzyl ethers, generated by selective α-lithiation, undergo an aldol-Tishchenko reaction upon treatment with carboxylic esters and paraformaldehyde. The reaction of the organolithium with the carboxylate generates an intermediate enolate that, after formaldehyde addition, affords 1,2,3-triol derivatives in a straightforward and one-pot manner. These products are obtained as single diastereoisomers bearing a quaternary stereocenter. The complete diastereocontrol of the aldol-Tishchenko process is attributed to stereoelectronic preferences in the transition state.
