Applications of Baylis-Hillman chemistry: enantioselective synthesis of (-)-methyl 3-aryl-2-methylene-3-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)propanoates via chiral leaving group strategy

Asymmetric synthesis of (-)-methyl 3-aryl-2-methylene-3-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)propanoates in 25-40% enantiomeric purities via the reaction of methyl (2Z)-3-aryl-2-(bromomethyl)prop-2-enoates with prop-2-yn-1-ol in the presence of quinidine is described. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.