Catalytic Asymmetric Darzens-Type Epoxidation of Diazoesters: Highly Enantioselective Synthesis of Trisubstituted Epoxides

Highly enantioselective Darzens-type epoxidation of diazoesters with glyoxal derivatives was accomplished using a chiral boron-Lewis acid catalyst, which facilitated asymmetric synthesis of trisubstituted α,β-epoxy esters. In the presence of a chiral oxazaborolidinium ion catalyst, the reaction proceeded in high yield (up to 99 %) with excellent enantio- and diastereoselectivity (up to >99 % ee and >20:1 dr, respectively). The synthetic potential of this method was illustrated by conversion of the products to various compounds such as epoxy γ-butyrolactone, tertiary β-hydroxy ketone and epoxy diester.

Biomimetic synthesis of hyperolactones

Through a biomimetic pathway, hyperolactone D, 4-hydroxyhyperolactone D, and hyperolactone C were synthesized from methyl acetoacetate via Weiler's dianion method, asymmetric allylic alkylation, biomimetic lactonization, oxidation, and cyclization. The stereochemistry of the quaternary carbon was controlled efficiently by Palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation. This strategy was also used for the synthesis of hyperolactone B.