Origin of the E/Z Selectivity in the Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Olefins by Wittig Reaction of α-Fluorophosphonium Ylides: An Explanation for the Low Stereoselectivity Observed in Reactions of α-Alkoxy Aldehydes.

A series of tetrasubstituted fluoroalkenes were synthesized in good yield and high E/Z selectivity (up to 96/4) by Wittig reaction between α-heterosubstituted ketones and α-fluorophosphonium ylides. A detailed study of factors that control stereoselectivity in these reactions shows that stereoselectivity is the result of stabilizing CH···F and N···C═O interactions in the addition TS leading to the E isomer. This analysis provides a rationale for the observed decrease in selectivity for reactions of stabilized ylides with α-alkoxy aldehydes.

Practical synthesis of (2'R)-2'-deoxy-2'-C-methyluridine by highly diastereoselective homogeneous hydrogenation.

Diastereoselective hydrogenation of 2'-deoxy-2'-exo-methyleneuridine was carried out under homogeneous conditions using a low loading of a chiral Rh catalyst. This, coupled with improvements in the synthesis of the substrate, allowed the smooth pilot plant preparation of the title compound on >10 kg scale.