An asymmetric synthesis of 2,4-dimethylvalerolactone and mevalonolactone using chiral binaphtyldiamine derivatives

Abstract

Axially dissymmetric binaphthyldiamine derivatives formed by asymmetric ring opening of the cyclic anhydrides (3) and (4) ring close on hydrolysis to give (–)-trans-2,4-dimethylvalerolactone with 74% e.e.