Efficient Stereoselective Synthesis of a Key Chiral Aldehyde Intermediate in the Synthesis of Picolinamide Fungicides

A highly stereoselective and efficient synthesis of (4S,5S,6S)-6-(benzyloxy)-5-phenoxy-4-propoxyheptanal, a key intermediate for syntheses of picolinamide fungicides, is described in this report. The synthesis features a scalable allylpropyl ether preparation, an efficient synthesis of the C1–C3 anti,syn-(S,S,S) stereotriad via a highly diastereoselective allylboration, and Cu-catalyzed phenylation of a sterically hindered secondary alcohol with BiPh3(OAc)2 followed by highly regioselective hydroformylation with the formation of a linear aldehyde. Excellent overall route efficiency was achieved (six steps and 39% yield) starting from readily available and inexpensive (S)-ethyl lactate.