Asymmetric Nitroaldol Reaction. Synthesis of Taxotere Side Chain and (−)-Bestatin Using (1R)-8-Phenylmenthyl Glyoxylate

Abstract
The nitroaldol reaction of (1R)-8-phenylmenthyl glyoxylate (3b) with 1-nitro-1-phenylmethane (4) or with 1-nitro-2-phenylethane (13) led stereoselectively to adducts syn-2b and syn-12b, which were then transformed into the Taxotere side chain and (−)-bestatin hydrochloride in overall yields of 52% and 31%, respectively.