Simple synthesis of enantiomers of 6-hydroxyalkan-4-olides by stereoselective hydrogenation of methyl 4,6-dioxoalkanoates

Abstract

A simple method for the synthesis of (S,S)- or (R,R)-6-hydroxyalkan-4-olides, components of the pheromonal secretion of the butterfly Idea leuconoe, in high ee by enantioselective hydrogenation of 4,6-diketo esters with a commercial available Ru–BINAP catalyst is described.

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