Synthesis of Polysubstituted 2-Oxabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes via Visible-Light-Induced Energy Transfer

J Am Chem Soc. 2022 Nov 9;144(44):20207-20213. doi: 10.1021/jacs.2c09248. Epub 2022 Oct 27.

Abstract

Synthesis of bicyclic scaffolds has attracted growing interest because they are of high importance in modern pharmaceutical development. Here we report a strategy to access polysubstituted 2-oxabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes in a single operation from readily accessible benzoylformate esters and bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes via visible-light-induced triplet energy transfer catalysis. The process is proposed to involve a formal [2π + 2σ] photocycloaddition/backbone C-H abstraction/aryl group migration sequence. A diverse range of (hetero)aryl groups successfully underwent migration to the backbone (C2) position to provide previously inaccessible bicyclic molecules, and the ester group of the product can serve as a handle for downstream manipulation, thus offering opportunities to rapidly build up molecular complexity and access new sp3-rich chemical space.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Butanes
  • Catalysis
  • Energy Transfer
  • Hexanes*
  • Light*

Substances

  • Hexanes
  • Butanes