Enantioselective hydrogenation of 4-(hydroxymethyl)furan-2(5H)-one derivatives

Some optically active β-hydroxymethyl-γ-butyrolactone derivatives, useful building blocks for the synthesis of several natural products and biologically active compounds, were obtained in good yields and variable optical purity (2–100% e.e.) from the corresponding 4-(hydroxymethyl)furan-2(5H)-one by enantioselective hydrogenation with chiral ruthenium or rhodium BINAP complexes.

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