Synthesis of single isomers (E or Z) of protected γ,δ-unsaturated ketones by the Horner-Wittig reaction

Abstract

The lithium derivative of the γ-diphenylphosphinoyl ketal (10a) added to aldehydes and ketones to give stable Horner-Wittig intermediates (11) which were separated and converted into single isomers (E or Z) or γ,δ-unsaturated ketals (12). erythro-Adducts (11), and hence Z-(12), were selectively formed by addition of aldehydes and threo adducts (11), and hence E-(12), by reduction of the corresponding α-diphenylphosphinoyl ketones (13), prepared by acylation of the same γ-diphenylphosphinoyl ketal (10a).