Usage and Development of Optically Active Cyclic 1, 2-Diols

Abstract

Optically active diols are one of the useful groups of compounds for asymmetric reaction as a chiral auxiliary or ligand. Among them, cyclic 1, 2-diols are characteristic of the restricted conformation. In this review, we wish to report the use of these compounds for the development of asymmetric reactions such as ring transformations based on intramolecular and intermolecular aldol reactions, and carba-spirocyclization, in which cyclic 1, 2-diols are added as a chiral source in combination with a Lewis acid. In addition, the synthesis of optically active cyclic diene compounds starting from cyclic 1, 2-diols is also discussed.