An enantioselective synthesis of cryptocarya diacetate.

[reaction: see text]. The enantioselective synthesis of cryptocarya diacetate has been achieved in 10 steps from ethyl sorbate. The route relies upon an enantio- and regioselective Sharpless dihydroxylation and a palladium-catalyzed reduction to form a delta-hydroxy-1-enoate, which was subsequently converted into a benzylidene-protected 3,5-dihydroxy carboxylic ester. This ester was converted into cryptocarya diacetate in 14% overall yield via an allylation and methathesis ring closure reaction sequence.