Development of a double allylboration reagent targeting 1,5-syn-(E)-diols: application to the synthesis of the C(23)-C(40) fragment of tetrafibricin

Interest in the synthesis of the C(23) C(40) fragment 2 of tetrafibricin prompted us to develop a new method for the synthesis of 1,5-syn-(E)-diols. Toward this end, the kinetically controlled hydroboration of allenes 6, 33, ent-39, 42, and 45 with the Soderquist borane 25R were studied. Tetrabutylammonium allenyltrifluoroborate 45 gave superior results and was utilized in a double allylboration sequence with two different aldehydes to provide the targeted 1,5-syn-(E)-diols in generally high yields (72-98%), and with high enantioselectivity (>95% ee), diastereoselectivity (dr >20:1), and (E)/(Z) selectivity (>20:1). This new method was applied to the synthesis of the C(23) C(40) fragment 2 of tetrafibricin. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.