Stereoselective syntheses of (R)-terbutaline and (R)-salbutamol acetal, which are important bronchodilators, starting from O-protected (R)-cyanohydrins are described.(R)-Terbutaline hydrochloride (R)-9⊙ HCl is obtained in an overall yield of 44% with> 98% ee from the O- bisallyl-protected cyanohydrin (R)-4k via a Ritter N-tertiary butylation to the amide (R)-6a, hydrogenation to the amino alcohol (R)-7a, and deprotection of the hydroxyl functions.(R)- ...