Efficient asymmetric synthesis of α-alkylated benzylic methyl sulfonates

The first highly efficient auxiliary-controlled synthesis of various α-substituted sulfonic acid derivatives is described. Alkyl or aryl halides were reacted with lithiated benzylic sulfonic esters bearing 1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-d-allofuranose as a removable enantiopure alcohol auxiliary to give the alkylated products in excellent diastereomeric excesses. The racemization-free cleavage conditions provided highly enantioenriched sulfonic acid derivatives (ee≥98%).