1,n-glycols as dialdehyde equivalents in iridium-catalyzed enantioselective carbonyl allylation and iterative two-directional assembly of 1,3-polyols

Unstable? We're able! 1,n-Glycols serve as synthetic equivalents to unstable dialdehydes in two-directional carbonyl allylation from the alcohol oxidation level under iridium-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation conditions. Iterative asymmetric allylation employing 1,3-propanediol enables the rapid assembly of protected 1,3-polyol substructures with exceptional levels of stereocontrol.