Efficient synthesis of 1,3,5-oxygenated synthons from dimethyl 3-oxoglutarate: first use of borane-dimethyl sulfide complex as a regioselective reducing agent of 3-oxygenated glutarate derivatives

The selective reduction of dimethyl 3-oxoglutarate was accomplished in different levels. A high yielding sodium borohydride reduction of the keto group is fully described leading to dimethyl 3-hydroxyglutarate. When borane-dimethyl sulfide (BMS) complex was used, a diol or a triol compound can be obtained by selective or total reduction of 3-hydroxy- or 3-oxoglutarate, respectively, allowing an efficient and practical route to 1,3,5-oxygenated compounds. (author)