A new procedure for the enantioselective vinylogous aldol reaction of Chan's diene

Chiral delta-hydroxy-delta-ketoesters are easily available through the enantio selective vinylogous aldol reaction of Chan's diene promoted by a SiCl4/chiral phosphoramide catalytic system. The procedure is conveniently exploited for a very rapid approach to (+)-kavain, a natural bio-active alpha-pyrone compound. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.