[摘要]:A direct synthesis of racemic arom. a-hydroxyacetates is described via Friedel-Crafts reaction of non-activated, simple arenes with glyoxylate promoted by SnCl4 or AlCl3. The use of SnCl4 opens a fast access to various alkyl- and aryl-substituted mandelates at room temp. within 2 h in good yield (>80%) and with high regioselectivity. The procedure was successfully employed also for the alkylation of compds. with condensed arom. rings. Alternative hydroxyalkylations with AlCl3 require longer reaction time and higher temp. to get a good yield.