title: S(N)2 ring opening of beta-lactones: an alternative to catalytic asymmetric conjugate additions.
abstract: Merging catalytic asymmetric acyl halide-aldehyde cyclocondensation (AAC) reactions with ensuing Grignard-mediated ring opening of the derived enantiomerically enriched beta-lactones is presented as a generally useful asymmetric synthesis of beta-disubstituted carboxylic acids. Enantiomerically enriched beta-lactones are subject to efficient S(N)2 ring opening with a variety of copper-modified alkyl Grignard reagents, including highly branched nucleophiles. Considerable structural variation in the lactone electrophile is also tolerated. Phenyl- and vinyl-derived organometallics are not efficient nucleophiles for the ring-opening reactions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA. sgnelson@pitt.edu
authors.forename: Scott G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: Zhonghui
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Wan
authors.forename: Magdalena A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Stan