Diastereoselective Cyclization of γ-δ Epoxyketones with (-)-Phenylglycinol: Synthesis of Both Enantiomers of <i>cis</i>-5-Alkyl-2-hydroxymethyl Pyrrolidines
A novel condensation of (-)-phenylglycinol with γ,δ-epoxyketones is reported for the preparation of bothenantiomers of cis-5-alkyl-2-hydroxymethyl pyrrolidines. The required epoxy-derivatives were easily prepared by epoxidation of the corresponding γ,δ-unsaturated ketones. Condensation with (-)-phenylglycinol is regiospecific and stereoselective, giving only two of the four possible diastereomers