A general approach towards 2-substituted 3-hydroxy propanoates; application to the synthesis of methyl tropinate

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0957-4166(97)00063-3

Enantiomerically pure R or S 2-substituted 3-hydroxy propanoates may be prepared by regioselective BF₃ promoted opening of homochiral styrene oxide by lithium cyanocuprates followed by oxidative cleavage of the aromatic moiety with catalytic ru