Synthesis of a key intermediate for Thienamycin and Imipenem through stereoselective two-direction elongation of asymmetrized bis(hydroxymethyl)acetaldehyde (BHYMA*)

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(95)02177-9

The enantioselective formal synthesis of Thienamycin and Imipenem has been realised through two-direction elongation of the chiral building block bis(hydroxymethyl)acetaldehyde 5. The generation of the two additional stereocenters has been carried out with excellent diastereoselectivity thanks to two sequential 'protecting group controlled' nucleophilic additions. Another key step was represented by the regioselective oxidation of a primary-secondary 1,3-diol to the corresponding β-hydroxyacid.