Acyclic 1,4-stereocontrol via reductive 1,3-transpositions.

One-pot reduction/allylic diazene rearrangement of lactic acid- and mandelic acid-derived alpha,beta-unsaturated tosyl hydrazones leads to 1,4-syn- or 1,4-anti-E-2-alkenyl arrays in high yield and diastereoselectivity. Either the syn or the anti diastereomer can be prepared by choosing the appropriate alkene stereoisomer of the hydrazone. The E-alkenes led to the 1,4-syn isomers, while the Z-alkenes led to the 1,4-anti isomers, both with > or =20:1 diastereoselectivity.