Syn-stereoselective aldol

The enantioselective total synthesis of the cytokine modulator (-)-cytoxazone using a syn-stereoselective aldol addition and a Curtius rearrangement as key steps was described by J.A. Marco et al. The key intermediate acid was treated with DPPA and triethylamine in toluene at reflux. This step furnished the oxazolidinone directly and in good yield through an in situ capture of the isocyanate group by the free secondary alcohol functionality. Removal of the protecting group led to the formation of the natural product. 

Interactive mechanism cis enoiate gives syn stereoselective aldol reaction... 

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