Efficient Asymmetric Syntheses of Naturally Occurring Lignan Lactones Using Catalytic Asymmetric Hydrogenation as a Key Reaction

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(01)80536-6

Optically pure (R)-arylmethylsuccinic acid mono-methyl esters were obtained efficiently by using the catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation of arylidenesuccinic acid monoesters with a rhodium(I) complex of a chiral bisphosphine, (4S,5S)-MOD-DIOP.Asymmetric total syntheses of some naturally occurring lignans, (+)-collinusin, (-)-deoxypodophyllotoxin, and (+)-neoisostegane, were achieved via several steps from (R)-γ-butyrolactones as key intermediates obtained by reduction of (R)-arylmethylsuccinic acid mono methyl-esters.