A general approach to the ( S)- and ( R)-isoflavans was invented, and efficiency of the method was demonstrated by the synthesis of ( S)-equol (( S)- 3), ( R)-sativan (( R)- 4), and ( R)-vestitol (( R)- 5). The key step is the allylic substitution of ( S)- 6a (Ar 1=2,4-(MeO) 2C 6H 3) and ( R)- 6b (Ar 1=2,4-(BnO) 2C 6H 3) with copper reagents derived from CuBr·Me 2S and Ar 2-MgBr ( 7a, Ar 2=4-MeOC 6H 4; 7b, 2,4-(MeO) 2C 6H 3; 7c, 2-MOMO-4-MeOC 6H 3), furnishing anti S N2′ products ( R)- 8a and ( S)- 8b, c with 93–97% chirality transfer in 60–75% yields. The olefinic part of the products was oxidatively cleaved and the Me and Bn groups on the Ar 1 moieties was then removed. Finally, phenol bromide 9a and phenol alcohols 9b, c underwent cyclization with K 2CO 3 and the Mitsunobu reagent to afford ( S)- 3 and ( R)- 4 and - 5, respectively.
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