Copper-Catalyzed Oxy-Alkenylation of Homoallylic Alcohols to Generate Functional syn-1,3-Diol Derivatives

A novel method for the synthesis of a wide range of functionalized 1,3-diol derivatives is reported. Employing a copper-catalyzed oxy-alkenylation strategy, a range of readily available, substituted homoallylic alcohol derivatives and alkenyl(aryl) iodonium salts combine to form syn-1,3-carbonates in excellent yield and with high selectivity. Furthermore, the products formed are amenable to an iterative reaction sequence, thus affording highly complex polyketide-like fragments.