Asymmetric synthesis of the epoxide 2 has been achieved from (R)-mandelic acid 3 via highly diastereoselective Wittig reaction and erythro-selective OsO4 catalyzed cis-hydroxylation as key steps. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd
Enantioselective synthesis of (+)-goniodiol and of its naturally occurring acetylated analogs
A novel route to enantioenriched (+)-goniodiol and its natural acetylated derivatives, potent cytotoxic compounds, is described. The main features of this synthesis are transfer of the asymmetric information of the scalemic allenic alcohol 5 to the α- and β- carbons through highly diastereoselective reactions and introduction of the α,β-unsaturated lactone moiety by the Ghosez' methodology.