Asymmetric synthesis of both enantiomers of methyl and t-butyl 3-hydroxybutyrates monitored by optically active sulfoxides

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(00)92219-6

Methyl and t-butyl (R) and (S) 3-hydroxybutyrates were prepared by stereoselective reduction of (R) 4-[p-tolylsulfinyl]-3-oxobutyrate, readily available in one step from (-)(S) menthyl p-toluene sulfinate.