Microwave-assisted cleavage of Weinreb amide for carboxylate protection in the synthesis of a (R)-3-hydroxyalkanoic acid

A versatile route for the modular synthesis of (R)-3-hydroxyalkanoic acids, constituents of the naturally biodegradable poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) polymers, and its application to the synthesis of (R)-3-hydroxydecanoic acid is described. Key steps include a microwave-assisted catalytic transfer hydrogenation and a facile microwave-assisted hydrolysis of an N-methoxy-N-methyl (Weinreb) amide, which enhances the practicality of this protecting group for carboxylic acids.