Stereoselective low-temperature diisobutylaluminum hydride (DIBALH) reduction of the title tetraester 3 affords trans-l, 4-dialdehyde 4a as the major product. Fluorination of 4a, b, followed by additional elaboration leads to novel, 1, 1, 4, 4-tetrasubstituted cyclohexanes bearing tram-1, 4-difluoromethyl and fluoromethyl groups. The effect of ring size and number of ester substituents on the outcome of the reduction has been examined and treatment of ...
