Stereoselective synthesis of (3R,4S,5S,9S)-3,5,9-trihydroxy-4-methylundecanoic acid δ-lactone

Copper-catalyzed tandem oxidation-olefination process

A novel catalytic sequence aerobic oxidation-olefination has been developed. A single and inexpensive copper catalyst provides a large range of olefins from alcohols in good to excellent yields. The reaction exhibits excellent functional group compatibility, and the nonbasic reaction conditions allow the transformation of chiral substrates without racemization.