Isolation of a bis-iodurated tetra-THF as a trace product from the oxidation of squalene with RuO₄ and its double ring expansion to a novel bis-THF-bis-THP compound

Molecules. 2011 Jun 27;16(7):5362-73. doi: 10.3390/molecules16075362.

Abstract

A novel bis-iodurated polyether compound, based on an unprecedented tetra-THF backbone, has been isolated as a trace by-product of the oxidation of squalene with the catalytic system RuO₂(cat.)/NaIO₄. The double erythro configuration of the central portion of the molecule furnishes the first indirect support of the previously postulated pathway operating in the oxidative pentacyclization of the isoprenoid substrate. A bidirectional double oxidative bis-cyclization is invoked to explain the formation of this compound. The isolated substance was successfully subjected to a double rearrangement-ring expansion to give a novel bis-THF-bis-THP compound.

MeSH terms

  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Furans / chemistry*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Molecular Structure
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Ruthenium Compounds / chemistry*
  • Squalene / chemistry*

Substances

  • Furans
  • Ruthenium Compounds
  • tetrahydrofuran
  • Squalene