A short stereoselective synthesis of (<f>−</f>)-chloramphenicol and (<f>+</f>)-thiamphenicol

A common strategy for the synthesis of (<f>−</f>)-chloramphenicol and (<f>+</f>)-thiamphenicol is described. These antibiotics have been synthesized from commercially available 4-nitrobenzaldehyde and 4-(methylthio)benzaldehyde in three and four steps, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]