Stereoselective synthesis of (E)- and (Z)-3-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-alkenyl iodides by base-promoted ring-opening of iodomethylated epoxides

Both (E)- and (Z)-3-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-alkenyl iodides were stereoselectively synthesized from iodomethylated epoxides by treatment with sodium hexamethyldisilazane in DMF and with LDA in THF (or lithium 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidide in THF), respectively.