10.1021/ol401801g
The study presents an efficient "one-pot" reductive lactone alkylation method for synthesizing chiral isoprenoid compounds, which are significant structural fragments in natural products like pheromones, fragrances, and vitamins. The process involves nucleophilic addition of organometallic reagents, such as alkyllithiums or Grignard reagents, to lactones, followed by in situ reduction of the intermediate keto-alcohol using a modified Clemmensen reduction with TMSCl and Zn. The method was successfully applied to various lactones, including (R)-3-methylbutyrolactone and (R)-4-methyl-δ-valerolactone, derived from tigogenin, and demonstrated high yields and enantiomeric purity. The synthesized alcohols were further utilized to create commercially important compounds like the fragrance Rosaphen and the side chains of Zaragozic acid C and vitamin E, showcasing the versatility and potential for scale-up of this synthetic approach.