ChemInform Abstract: Stereoselective Synthesis of syn-α-Methyl-β-hydroxy Esters

Boron enolates of an ethyl ketone structurally related to erythrulose react with achiral aldehydes in a highly stereoselective fashion to yield 1,2- syn /1,3- syn stereoisomers. Oxidative cleavage of the aldol adducts yields enantiopure O -formylated syn -α-methyl-β-hydroxy esters, easily cleaved to the corresponding hydroxyl-free compounds. The aforementioned ketone behaves therefore as a chiral propionate enolate equivalent.