ChemInform Abstract: Stereoselective Manipulation of Acetals Derived from o-Substituted Benzaldehyde Chromium Tricarbonyl Complexes

The stereoselective syntheses of mixed acetals derived from o-substituted benzaldehyde chromium tricarbonyl compounds are described. These acetals are shown to undergo highly selective displacement reactions in a process which involves neighbouring group participation from the chromium tricarbonyl unit. Asymmetric syntheses of a-methyl benzylamines and 2-aryl tetrahydropyrans, via this methodology, are described.