Application of sulfur ylide mediated epoxidations in the asymmetric synthesis of β-hydroxy-δ-lactones. Synthesis of a mevinic acid analogue and (+)-prelactone B

Catalytic and stoichiometric asymmetric sulfur ylide reactions were employed to prepare alkyl–aryl epoxide intermediates in a convergent manner. These epoxides were utilized in efficient syntheses of the mevinic acid analogue and prelactone B.