Use of asymmetric propargyl dicobalt hexacarbonyl complexes in organic synthesis: Access to enantiomerically pure α-hydroxy acid derivatives

The trapping under different conditions of the carbocation generated by acid treatment of chiral Co₂(CO)₆-complexed propargylic secondary alcohols permitted access to either diastereoisomer at the propargylic center. Further chemical manipulations provided either enantiomer of enantiomerically pure 1,2-difunctionalized molecules such as 1,2-diols, α-hydroxy-aldehydes or α-hydroxy-acids.