A short approach to the synthesis of the ritonavir and lopinavir core and its C-3 epimer via cross metathesis

A short synthesis of hydroxyethylene dipeptide isostere, a core unit of the HIV-protease inhibitors ritonavir and lopinavir, its C-3 epimer and C₂ symmetric diamino diol is described. The crucial aspects of the synthesis are self-cross metathesis and exploitation of C₂-symmetric of the metathesis product 8 to obtain the required skeleton.