The asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of a series of 2,2-dimethyl-6-(2-oxoalkyl)-1,3-dioxin-4-ones and 2,2-dimethyl-6-(2-oxoaryl)-1,3-dioxin-4-ones was achieved in high enantiomeric excess using a Ru(II) catalyst. The aryl substrates were most compatible with the methodology and this process facilitated a total synthesis of enantiomerically pure (+)-yashabushitriol.
