Asymmetric synthesis of α-unsubstituted β-hydroxy acids

alpha-unsubstituted beta-hydroxy acids (3-hydroxycarboxylic acids) are constituents of various natural products with pharmacological and other technical properties of interest. They are also important intermediates in organic synthesis. This article reviews various possible routes for asymmetric synthesis of enantiopure or enantiomerically enriched unsubstituted hydroxy acids.