Synthesis of a C20-C26 segment of superstolide A by addition of a chiral allenylzinc reagent to (R)-N-boc alaninal.

[reaction: see text] Additions of chiral allenylzinc and indium reagents to N-Boc alaninal were examined as a possible route to a C20-C26 segment of superstolide A. Allenylzinc reagents, prepared in situ by palladiozincation of (R)- and (S)-5-pivalyloxy-3-butyn-2-ol mesylate, showed excellent reagent control to afford the anti,syn and anti,anti diastereomers as the nearly exclusive adducts.