Highly stereoselective hydrogenations—As key‐steps in the total synthesis of statins

Statins are inhibitors of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG‐CoA reductase) and became the standard of care for treatment of hypercholesterolemia because of their efficacy, safety, and long‐term benefits. They are administered as diastereo‐ and enantiomerically pure compounds. We summarize here two new approaches for the total synthesis of the most important representatives, atorvastatin, and rosuvastatin, based on highly stereoselective hydrogenations as key‐steps. Chirality 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.