Enantioselective desymmetrization of meso-1,2-diols was accomplished viadiastereoselective CO bond fission of acetals derived from various optically active β-ketosulfoxides with high diastereoselectivities. The substituent at the γ-position of the β-ketosulfoxide plays an important role in this cleavage.
meso-Cyclopentane-1,2-diol was differentiated via diasteroselective C–O bond fission of the acetal utilising the anion stabilised by a neighbouring chiral sulfinyl group to provide the chiral alcohol.