Titanium mediated olefination of aldehydes with α-haloacetates: an exceptionally stereoselective and general approach to (Z)-α-haloacrylates.

An exceptionally stereoselective and general synthesis of (Z)-α-haloacrylates, ready to undergo various synthetic transformations, has been demonstrated from α-haloacetates and aldehydes in a one-pot manner via the titanium-enolate based asymmetric aldol condensation. Besides being an expedient synthetic procedure, the ready availability of diverse α-haloacetates, exceptional stereoselectivity, and high yields make the process a versatile transformation in organic synthesis. The potential of this method in up-scaling operations has been illustrated.