In order to test the strategy, we chose to work on a simpler model starting from amine 8 and benzaldehyde. Synthesis of amine 8 was realized from commercial methyl-3-oxopentanoate (9, Scheme [3] ). Protection of the keto function of 9 with ethylene glycol, followed by reduction with lithium aluminum hydride furnished the alcohol 10. Oxidation with manganese dioxide and subsequent Wittig-Horner olefination gave unsaturated ester 11. Diastereoselective ...
