Approaches to the Synthesis of Heptitol Derivatives via Stereocontrolled Functionalization of Cycloheptatrienone Using Organo-Iron Chemistry

A stereo-chemically defined, differentially protected polyhydroxylated heptanedial derivative was prepared by the stereo- and regio-controlled functionalization of cycloheptatrienone, followed by cleavage of the ring to afford the acyclic derivative in high yields.