Starting from chiral methyl molecules 3 and 4, both derived from (R)-4-methyl-δ-valerolactone, we have accomplished the synthesis of (R) and (S)-3-methylheptanoic acids. Our methods are amendable to the syntheses of a wide variety of chiral 3-methyl alkanoic acids.

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Based on chiral pool strategy, a synthesis of the C1–C9 domain of the proposed structure of didemnaketal A, a natural product with potent HIV‐1 protease inhibitory activity, has been achieved. Key transformations are a Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation and a chelation‐controlled allylation.