Phase-Transfer-Catalyzed Asymmetric Alkylation of α-Benzoyloxy-β-keto Esters: Stereoselective Construction of Congested 2,3-Dihydroxycarboxylic Acid Esters

Highly enantioselective phase-transfer-catalyzed alkylation of tert-butyl 2-benzoyloxy-3-oxobutanoate was realized by the use of an N-spiro chiral quaternary ammonium salt, as a complementary approach to the asymmetric hydroxylation of α-alkyl-β-keto esters. The synthetic utility of the alkylated compounds is highlighted by the diastereoselective reduction and alkylation of the remaining ketone moiety to give various enantiomerically enriched congested 2,3-dihydroxycarboxylic acid esters.