10.1021/jo00082a008
The research focuses on developing a new general method for synthesizing optically pure 2-alkylglycidic acid derivatives, specifically targeting the synthesis of (R)-(+)-palmoxirate, a potent hypoglycemic agent. The study utilizes a sequence involving the asymmetric hydrocyanation of ketones with α-sulfinyl ketones and Et2AlCN to obtain diastereomerically pure cyanohydrins, which are then transformed into 2-alkylglycidic acid derivatives through hydrolysis and treatment with Me30+BF4- and NaHCO3. The process yields high enantioselectivity (ee >97%) and has been successfully applied to synthesize the optically pure (R)-(+)-palmoxirate, offering a more efficient method compared to previous chemical and enzymatic approaches. Key chemicals used in the process include Et2AlCN, Me30+BF4-, NaHCO3, and various α-sulfinyl ketones and cyanohydrins. The study concludes that this method can be extended to prepare other structurally similar compounds and is currently being used for the synthesis of trisubstituted oxiranes.