Preparation and application of 2-(arylmethoxy)isopinocampheols for the asymmetric aldol reaction of 3,3,3-trifluoropropionates

The preparation of 2-(arylmethoxy)isopinocampheols from pinanediol via the DIABL-H reduction of the corresponding aryl aldehyde acetals has been described. A systematic examination of the asymmetric aldol reaction of 3,3,3-trifluoropropionates led to the double diastereoselective aldol reaction of 2-(arylmethoxy)isopinocampheyl 3,3,3-trifluoropropionates providing anti-α-trifluoromethyl-β-hydroxy esters in 63–85% yields, ⩾99% anti-selectivity and 80–96% de for the anti-isomer.