Stereoselective Synthesis of (E)-5-Hydroxy-4-methyl-2-alkenoates by Palladium-Catalyzed Stereospecific Hydrogenolysis of (E)-4,5-Epoxy-4-methyl-2-alkenoates with Ammonium Formate

Palladium-catalyzed hydrogenolysis of (E)-4,5-epoxy-4-methyl-2-alkenoates with HCO2H-Et3N gave (E)-5-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-alkenoates in good yields with inversion of stereochemistry.