Catalyst-controlled reversal of chemoselectivity in acylation of 2-aminopentane-1,5-diol derivatives.

Highly chemo- and regioselective acylation of 2-aminopentane-1,5-diol derivatives has been achieved by organocatalysis. An acyl group can be chemoselectively introduced onto the sterically hindered secondary hydroxy group in the presence of the primary one by virtue of the molecular recognition event of the catalyst.