Synthesis and characterization of both enantiomers of trans-1,2-di-(2-hydroxy-2-propyl)-cyclobutane

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0957-4166(96)00386-2

Both enantiomers of the title compound are synthesized for the first time in four steps including a [2+2]-photocycloaddition to build up the cyclobutane backbone and a cerium supported reductive permethylation. During the cerium supported process a complete and selective change in the configuration of the cyclobutane ring takes place. The substituents are transformed from the cis- to the trans-geometry.