Enantioselective organocatalytic direct aldol reactions of α-oxyaldehydes: Step one in a two-step synthesis of carbohydrates

Abstract

Two-faced: α-Oxyaldehydes can act as both an aldol donor and an aldol acceptor and can be coupled enantioselectively by using proline as the reaction catalyst. This new aldol reaction provides an operationally simple protocol for the stereo-controlled production of erythrose (see scheme) architecture and sets the stage for a two-step enantioselective synthesis of carbohydrates.