A formal catalytic asymmetric synthesis of (+)-biotin was realized. The key steps
involve a catalytic, highly enantioselective and quantitative desymmetrization of
a meso cyclic anhydride followed by a one-pot chemoselective reduction to form the
optically active lactone intermediate in the Goldberg-Sternbach (+)-biotin synthesis.
biotin - vitamin - cinchona alkaloids - asymmetric catalysis - enantioselective desymmetrization
