Synlett 2012; 23(17): 2534-2538
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1317316
letter
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Synthesis of Stereotetrads by Regioselective Cleavage of Diastereomeric MEM-Protected 2-Methyl-3,4-epoxy Alcohols with Diethylpropynyl Aluminum

Wildeliz Torres
Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, PO Box 23346, San Juan, P.R. 00932-3346, USA   Fax: +1(787)7596885   Email: jose.prieto2@upr.edu
,
Gerardo Torres
Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, PO Box 23346, San Juan, P.R. 00932-3346, USA   Fax: +1(787)7596885   Email: jose.prieto2@upr.edu
,
José A. Prieto*
Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, PO Box 23346, San Juan, P.R. 00932-3346, USA   Fax: +1(787)7596885   Email: jose.prieto2@upr.edu
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 25 June 2012

Accepted after revision: 28 August 2012

Publication Date:
21 September 2012 (online)


Abstract

The regioselectivity of the epoxide ring opening of 2-methyl-3,4-epoxy alcohols with diethylpropynylalane has been studied as a function of the C1 alcohol protecting group. An efficient selective method was developed using MEM as the protecting group. The reaction proceeded in a highly regioselective manner providing the useful 1,3-diol motif. The undesired 1,4-diol product produced by some free alcohol diastereomers was not observed. This highly stereoselective method provides access to termini-differentiated stereotetrads, which are essential building blocks for polypropionate synthesis.

Supporting Information