Stereoselective Synthesis of 1,3-anti Diols by an Ipc-Mediated Domino Aldol-Coupling/Reduction Sequence

A novel domino process for 1,3-anti diol synthesis by the union of a methyl ketone with an aldehyde is described. The operationally simple procedure is based on an Ipc-boron-aldol coupling and subsequent Ipc-mediated reduction of the intermediate β-hydroxy-ketone. The sequence proceeds with excellent anti-selectivities and enables the rapid construction of complex polyketide fragments.