Regioselective cleavage of cis- and trans-2-methyl-3,4-epoxy alcohols with diethylpropynyl aluminum

The regioselectivity of the reaction of diethylpropynyl aluminum with diastereomeric 2-methyl-3,4-epoxy alcohols was studied. The preferred side of attack (1,3-diol vs 1,4-diol product) depends on the stereochemical disposition of the substituents. NMR studies showed that the regiochemistry of this reaction is governed by the aluminum coordination pattern. Protection of the alcohol with MEM provides the 1,3-diol product in systems where the free alcohol produced the 1,4-diols.