Enantiospecific synthesis of tetrasubstituted δ-lactones

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(98)02243-6

For investigations concerning the selectivity of polyketide synthases (PKSs) which have been rationally engineered through genetic techniques the synthesis of substituted δ-lactones is of great importance. An enantiospecific route towards eight of the possible sixteen stereoisomers was developed which is also readily adaptable for the introduction of alkyl modifications and isotopic labels.