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Merging α-Lithiation and Aldol-Tishchenko Reaction to Construct Polyols from Benzyl Ethers
Carlos Sedano1, Rocío Velasco1, Samuel Suárez-Pantiga1
1Área de Química Orgánica, Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Burgos, Pza. Misael Bañuelos s/n, 09001 Burgos, Spain.
Abstract:
α-Lithiobenzyl ethers, generated by selective α-lithiation, undergo an aldol-Tishchenko reaction upon treatment with carboxylic esters and paraformaldehyde. The reaction of the organolithium with the carboxylate generates an intermediate enolate that, after formaldehyde addition, affords 1,2,3-triol derivatives in a straightforward and one-pot manner. These products are obtained as single diastereoisomers bearing a quaternary stereocenter. The complete diastereocontrol of the aldol-Tishchenko process is attributed to stereoelectronic preferences in the transition state.
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