Stereopentads derived from a sequence of Mukaiyama aldolization and free radical reduction on alpha-methyl-beta-alkoxy aldehydes: a general strategy for efficient polypropionate synthesis.

In a stereodivergent manner, all 16 diastereomeric stereopentads 7-22 were synthesized starting with alpha-methyl-beta-alkoxy aldehydes 25 and 27. We designed an approach based on a sequence of a Mukaiyama aldolization with enoxysilane 24 followed by a hydrogen transfer reaction. Recent advancements concerning these reactions are described, and novel key intermediates are characterized in the aldol step. The synthesis of C(1)-C(11) fragment 60 of zincophorin, which contains a synthetically challenging stereopentad unit, is described attesting the usefulness of our strategy.