Simple and versatile synthesis of branched polyols: (+)-2-C-methylerythritol and (+)-2-C-methylthreitol

The paper reports a new approach for the enantioselective synthesis of 2-C-methyl tetrols. The procedure has been utilized for preparing methylthreitol and methylerythritol, a putative intermediate in the mevalonate-independent biosynthesis of terpenoids in bacteria, algae and higher plants. The methodology offers straightforward access to related compounds and isotopically labeled derivatives.