A general approach to γ-lactones via osmium-catalyzed asymmetric dihydroxylation. Synthesis of (-)- and (+)-muricatacin

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(00)79001-0

Both enantiomers of hydroxy γ-lactones have been prepared highly enantioselectively (92-99% ee) using either AD-mix-β or AD-mix-α with both β,γ- and γ,δ-unsaturated esters. The method is exemplified by the three-step synthesis of (-) and (+)-muricatacin i