Asymmetric reduction of alpha-(trimethylsilyl)methyl-beta-ketosulfoxide with DIBAL under basic conditions

J Org Chem. 2003 Jul 11;68(14):5766-8. doi: 10.1021/jo034285k.

Abstract

The reaction of the alpha-carbanion of p-tolyl 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl sulfoxide with esters followed by reduction with DIBAL gave alpha-(trimethylsilyl)methyl-beta-hydroxysulfoxides with high stereoselectivity. The stereoselective reaction was demonstrated to proceed through a dynamic kinetic resolution pathway via a six-membered cyclic transition state involving Si-O interaction. These reactions provide a convenient route for the synthesis of optically pure allylic alcohols.