The chemistry of lithiated phosphine oxides: the stereoselective synthesis of alkene-4,5-diols
Abstract
Single enantiomers of (E)-1,5-diarylpentene-4,5-diols have been synthesised by Horner–Wittig elimination. The stereochemistry is controlled by an asymmetric dihydroxylation, and a stereoselective reduction of a β-keto phosphine oxide.