Synthesis of α‐Hydroxy Carboxylic Acids via a Nickel(II)‐ Catalyzed Hydrogen Transfer Process

A new catalytic system for β‐alkylation of lactic acid with primary alcohols has been developed. In the presence of nickel(II) acetate tetrahydrate [Ni(OAc)2(H2O)4] and base, lactic acid reacts with primary alcohols to afford the corresponding coupled α‐hydroxy carboxylic acids in good to excellent yields via a hydrogen transfer process without any hydrogen acceptor or hydrogen donor.