Stereoselective Synthesis of Cyclobutanes by Contraction of Pyrrolidines

J Am Chem Soc. 2021 Nov 17;143(45):18864-18870. doi: 10.1021/jacs.1c10175. Epub 2021 Nov 8.

Abstract

Here we report a contractive synthesis of multisubstituted cyclobutanes containing multiple stereocenters from readily accessible pyrrolidines using iodonitrene chemistry. Mediated by a nitrogen extrusion process, the stereospecific synthesis of cyclobutanes involves a radical pathway. Unprecedented unsymmetrical spirocyclobutanes were prepared successfully, and a concise, formal synthesis of the cytotoxic natural product piperarborenine B is reported.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't