Leading Questions
Question: Explain (using words and pictures) why the observed stereoisomer is formed in the alkene dihydroxylation step (27 to 28).
The OMOM (methoxymethyl ether) and Me (methyl) groups on wedges that are one bond away from the alkene cause the dihydroxylation to occur with dashes, since the OsO4 would approach from underneath the molecule, because of the steric hindrance from the OMOM and Me groups. The -OH groups bond syn to the alkene, but trans to the OMOM and methyl groups.
