USE OF AN EPHEDRINE ALKOXIDE TO MEDIATE ENANTIOSELECTIVE ADDITION OF AN ACETYLIDE TO A PROCHIRAL KETONE - ASYMMETRIC-SYNTHESIS OF THE REVERSE-TRANSCRIPTASE INHIBITOR L-743,726

The asymmetric synthesis of L-743,726 was achieved in six steps with a n overall yield of 31%. The asymmetry was introduced using a lithiated ephedrine to mediate acetylide addition to a trifluoromethyl ketone w ith an enantiomeric excess of 96-98%.