Iterative strategies for the synthesis of deoxypropionates.

This feature article gives an overview of iterative synthetic methods for the construction of deoxypropionates, an important class of polyketides. The catalytic and non-catalytic methodologies discussed are based on highly stereoselective reactions which can be carried out in an iterative fashion. Non-catalytic methods are described first, followed by state of the art catalytic iterative protocols. The application of the iterative methods in the synthesis of natural products is discussed as well.