title: Regioselective carbonylation of trans-disubstituted epoxides to β-lactones: a viable entry into syn-aldol-type products.
abstract: Two new catalysts are reported for the regioselective carbonylation of trans-disubstituted epoxides to cis-β-lactones. The two catalysts display high and opposing selectivities, which generally are difficult to achieve for this class of epoxides. The resulting β-lactones are well-defined precursors for a wide variety of aldol-type compounds. Altogether, carbonylation of disubstituted epoxides is established as a viable and economical entry into syn- and anti-aldol products.
authors.affiliation: Baker Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-1301, USA.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mulzer
authors.forename: Bryan T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Whiting
authors.forename: Geoffrey W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Coates