Photocatalytic Oxidative Dearomatization of Orcinaldehyde Derivatives

Org Lett. 2020 May 1;22(9):3712-3716. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.0c01207. Epub 2020 Apr 15.

Abstract

For decades, oxidative dearomatization has been employed as a key step in the synthesis of complex molecules. Challenges in controlling the chemo- and site-selectivity of this transformation have sparked the development of a variety of specialized oxidants; however, these result in stoichiometric amounts of organic byproducts. Herein, we describe a photocatalytic method for oxidative dearomatization using molecular oxygen as the stoichiometric oxidant. This provides environmentally benign entry to highly substituted o-quinols, reactive intermediates which can be elaborated to a number of natural product families.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Benzaldehydes / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Hydroquinones / chemical synthesis*
  • Hydroquinones / chemistry
  • Oxidants, Photochemical / chemistry
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Photochemical Processes

Substances

  • Benzaldehydes
  • Hydroquinones
  • Oxidants, Photochemical