Synthesis of (+)-Methyl (R,E)-6-Benzyloxy-4-hydroxy-2-hexenoate and Its Mesylate Derivative

Abstract
Methyl (E)-6-benzyloxy-4-hydroxy-2-hexenoate is prepared in both racemic and enantiopure form through reaction between (2-benzyloxy)ethyloxirane and the dianion of phenylselenoacetic acid followed by esterification with diazomethane, oxidation to the selenoxide and subsequent pyrolysis in 72% overall yield.