Synthesis of functionalized Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts by a conjugate addition-elimination sequence.

We have developed a new conjugate addition-elimination sequence for the diastereoselective synthesis of protected allylic syn 1,3-diols which are Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts. The synthesis of the substrates involves a challenging cross-metathesis reaction that leads to hindered trisubstituted olefins.