Stereoselective Synthesis of Quaternary Carbons via the Dianionic Ireland–Claisen Rearrangement

A dianionic Ireland–Claisen rearrangement of chiral, nonracemic α-methyl-β-hydroxy allylic esters has been developed that proceeds with high diastereoselectivity and provides products containing three contiguous stereogenic carbons, including a quaternary center. The potential utility of the rearrangement for complex molecule synthesis is also demonstrated.