Abstract: The present invention is related to cis-diols and biological methods of producing cis-diols. The present invention further relates to processes for subsequently converting such silane cis-diols to the more stable acetonide derivatives, as well as a process for converting silane cis-diols to the corresponding catechols and the compounds produced thereby. The present invention also provides chemical methods for the conversion of said silane cis-diols and acetonide compounds to epoxy, saturated and otherwise modified derivatives. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that is will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: Accordingly, the present invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) or a single enantiomer thereof, or a salt or a solvate thereof, wherein W is a chiral auxilary or hydrogen and P1 and P2 are each independently selected from hydrogen or a protecting group, which comprises: a) treatment of a compound of formula (II), or a salt or a solvate thereof, wherein W is a chiral auxilary and P3 and P4 are each independently selected from hydrogen or a protecting group, with a compound formula (III); b) treatment of the resulting product with a reducing agent; c) if required, deprotection to yield the compound of formula (I), or a salt or solvate thereof.