Asymmetric synthesis monitored by chiral sulfoxides: Syn and anti functionalized 1,2-diols from α-hydroxy-esters

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(00)73200-X

The reduction of chiral b-keto-g-alkoxy-sulfoxides, readily made from chiral a-hydroxyesters, allowed the preparation of optically pure syn and anti functionalized 1,2-diols. The reduction is completely stereo controlled by the sulfoxide group.