Total asymmetric syntheses of ß-hydroxy-δ-lactones via Umpolung with sulfur dioxide.

Cyclic stereotriads and stereotetrads of the ß-hydroxy-δ-lactone type, e.g. prelactones B and E, common in polyketides and polypropionates, are prepared via SO(2)-induced oxyallylations of enoxysilanes with (1E,3Z)-1-(1-phenylethoxy)penta-1,3-dien-3-yl carboxylates. Using (Z)- or (E)-enoxysilanes both 4,5-cis- or 4,5-trans-δ-lactones are obtained. Depending on the reduction method applied to the obtained aldol intermediates 5,6-trans or 5,6-cis-derivatives are formed. The δ-lactones can be prepared in both their enantiomeric forms depending on the (1R)- or (1S)-configuration of the starting 1-(1-phenylethoxy)penta-1,3-dienes.