A stereoselective synthesis of 1,2-hydroxyalkyl moieties is described herein. These valuable building blocks are obtained with complete regiocontrol and excellent stereocontrol both for the syn or the anti products, by choosing the appropriate enantiomer of the ligand in a copper-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation of δ-alkoxy-substituted allyl bromides.
© The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011