Recent applications of vinyl sulfones and vinyl sulfoxides in asymmetric synthesis

Herein we present some new synthetic applications based on the use of funct ionalized alpha,beta-unsaturated sulfones and alpha,beta-unsaturated sulfox ides. In particular, we have developed a stereodivergent approach to the sy nthesis of castanospermine stereoisomers from omega-amino-gamma-oxygenated- alpha,beta-unsaturated sulfones as well as a stereoselective synthesis of s ubstituted dihydrofurans by Pd(0) catalyzed reaction of the carbonate deriv atives of gamma-oxygenated-alpha,beta-unsaturated sulfones with methylene a ctive ketones. Additionally, the use of the sulfinyl group as a novel chira l auxiliary in asymmetric Heck reactions is also described.