Asymmetric synthesis of (R)-3,3-dimethyl-2-hydroxy-γ-butyrolactone en route to the formal synthesis of calcium D-pantothenate

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(00)77292-3

An efficient asymmetric protocol for the synthesis of (R)-3,3-dimethyl-2- hydroxy-γ-butyrolactone, a crucial intermediate for the synthesis of calcium D-pantothenate and several other compounds is described, where the requisite chirality is incorporated by Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation reaction.