Stereoselective synthesis of (6S)-5,6-dihydro-6-[(2R)-2-hydroxy-6-phenylhexyl]-2H-pyran-2-one

A stereoselective synthesis of (6S)-5,6-dihydro-6-[(2R)-2-hydroxy-6-phenylhexyl]-2H-pyran-2-one is reported. The strategy utilizes an olefin cross-metathesis, syn-benzylidene acetal formation and a preferential (Z)-Wittig olefination reaction and lactonization as the key steps.