Generation of near-enantiopure α-alkyl α-formyl α-hydroxy ketones/esters and their interception with ethoxycarbonylmethylenetriphenylphosphorane

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(98)02011-5

Two protocols for the generation of the (R)-enantiomers of α-alkyl α- formyl α-hydoxy ketones/esters in states of high enantiomeric purity are developed; the formyl functions of such compounds undergo Wittig condensations with ethoxycarbonylmethylenetriphenylphosphorane in dimethyl sulfoxide to afford the corresponding alkenes with high (E)- stereoselectivities and with e.e.s of 91-99%.