Asymmetric darzens condensation of ketones with α-chloroacetates by means of (–)-8-phenylmenthyl auxiliary

Abstract
The Darzens condensation of symmetric and unsymmetric ketones with (–)-8-phenylmenthyl α-chloroacetate diastereoselectively affords glycidic esters in 77–94% de; the stereochemistry [(2R,3R) configuration] of the product is understandable in terms of π–π interaction in the open transition state model.