Synthesis and Stereoselective Reactions of (<i>R</i>)‐α‐Sulfonyloxynitriles

Abstract

The sulfonylation of (R)-cyanohydrins (R)-1 to form (R)-2 takes place without racemization. The conversion—also without racemization but with inversion- of (R)-2 by nucleophiles (Nu = OAc, N3, N-phthaloyl) yields cyanohydrins (S)-3, which are interesting as synthetic intermediates.