Ghosh_2009_J.Org.Chem_74_4508

An asymmetric synthesis of anti-aldol segments via a nonaldol route is described. The strategy involves a highly diastereoselective synthesis of functionalized tetrahydrofuran derivatives from optically active 4-phenylbutyrolactone. Treatment of the tetrahydrofuran derivatives with a Lewis acid and acetic anhydride provided the corresponding ring-opened styrene derivatives. Oxidative cleavage of the styrene derivatives provided access to the anti-aldol segments. The utility of this methodology was demonstrated by the synthesis of statine derivatives and pancreatic lipase inhibitor, (-)-tetrahydrolipstatin.