Intramolecular Stereoselective Protonation of Aldehyde‐Derived Enolates

Abstract

Picking sides: Asymmetric protonation of the titled compounds poses a most significant challenge and has been addressed by taking advantage of internal protonation and subsequent hemiacetal formation to avoid epimerization (see scheme). The substrates employed in these transformations can be easily accessed through a sequence of vinylogous aldol reactions with subsequent conjugate reductions.