Cyclic Ethers through a Catalyzed Resolution/Oxidative Cyclization

This is a very nice follow-up paper to a previously reported kinetic resolution ofα-hydroxy esters by Toste and co-workers (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 1090-1091). A variety of enantioenriched tetrahydrofurans and tetrahydropyrans can be accessed by this method. High diastereoselectivities and enantioselectivies were obtained through careful optimization of the conditions. Acetone was found to be the solvent of choice, giving the best yields of the desired products.