Abstract: Chiral acetals derived from aldehydes and (-)-(2R, 4R)-2, 4-pentanediol are cleaved selectively by organoaluminum reagents. The reaction proceeds via the retentive- alkylation process with> 95% selectivities in most cases. Trialkylaluminum reagent is utilized for higher alkyl transfers, but for smaller alkyl transfers, a new reagent system, combining trialkylaluminum and the halophenols such as pentafluorophenol and 2, 4, 6- ...
