Boron enolate chemistry toward the syntheses of polyketide stereotetrads

In 1976 Mukaiyama published a paper that was to make a major impact on the development of the aldol reaction in the future. Mild enolate formation by treatment of a ketone with dibutylboron triflate in the presence of a tertiary amine generates a relatively stable boron enolate, which can subsequently react with an aldehyde to give the cross-aldol product in good yields. This reaction has become a reliable tool for the practicing synthetic chemist. Nearly 10000 polyketides are known, and of these about 600 contain the tripropionate unit with a stereotetrad, four contiguous stereocenters with alternating methyl and hydroxyl substituents in the main chain. The versatility of the boron enolate aldol reaction is showcased with selected applications in the synthesis of these structural motifs.