Stereoselectivity of TiCl
4-mediated aldol reactions from(
S)-2-benzyloxy-3-pentanone is dramatically improved whenthe reaction is carried out in the presence of 1.1 equiv oftetrahydrofuran (THF) or 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME). Theresultant 2,4-
syn-4,5-
syn adducts are then obtained indiastereomeric ratios up to 97:3, which proves that theappropriate choice of the Lewis acid (TiCl
4-THF or DMEvs Ti(
i-PrO)Cl
3) engaged in the process
permits access toboth
syn-aldol adducts.